High Court Hands Down Death Sentence in Tragic Child Murder Case
The Kuala Lumpur High Court has sentenced 48-year-old Nigerian national Ibekwe Emeka Augustine to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering his four-year-old step-grandson in Setapak, Kuala Lumpur.
The verdict was delivered on Friday, January 9, 2026, six years after the incident occurred, in a case that shocked Malaysia and drew international attention.
Justice K. Muniandy, who presided over the trial, imposed the death sentence after evaluating the totality of evidence presented before the court. He ruled that the prosecution had proven the charge of murder beyond reasonable doubt under Section 302 of the Malaysian Penal Code.
Details of the Crime and Conviction
Augustine was found guilty of causing the death of his step-grandson between 7:45 a.m. and 8:15 a.m. on November 29, 2020, by throwing the child from the third floor of an apartment building in Setapak.
Under Malaysian law, a conviction under Section 302 carries either the mandatory death penalty or, alternatively, 30 to 40 years’ imprisonment with not fewer than 12 strokes of the cane.
Additional Charges and Sentences
In the same trial, Augustine was also convicted on four other serious charges and sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, to run concurrently with the death sentence.
The additional convictions include:
Attempting to murder his seven-year-old biological son, contrary to Section 307 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum prison term and fine.
Intentionally causing grievous hurt to his wife, under Sections 325 and 326A of the Penal Code.
Attempted suicide, under Section 309 of the Penal Code.
Sexual assault of his adult stepdaughter, under Section 377CA, an offence punishable by up to 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping.
Judge’s Comments and Impact
While delivering judgment, Justice Muniandy noted that all the offences were committed within a single day, describing Augustine’s actions as inhumane and shocking.
The court rejected arguments that drug influence or other factors could excuse the conduct, stressing that the accused continued his actions even after inflicting serious harm on multiple family members.
The judge also highlighted the severe trauma suffered by the victims and their family, who fled the apartment in fear. The child’s body was later discovered on the ground outside the apartment building.
Read More: Justice at Last: Lagos BRT Driver Sentenced to Death for Murder of Bamise Ayanwola
