The Kuala Lumpur High Court in Malaysia has sentenced a Nigerian national, Ibekwe Emeka Augustine, 48, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering his four-year-old step-grandson. 

The incident occurred at an apartment in Setapak on November 29, 2020, when Augustine allegedly threw the child from the third floor.

According to Berita Harian, Justice K. Muniandy delivered the sentence after reviewing all the evidence presented in court. Augustine was charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries a mandatory death penalty or, alternatively, a prison term of 30 to 40 years with not fewer than 12 strokes of the cane.

In the same trial, Augustine was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment, to run concurrently, after being convicted on four other charges, including attempting to murder his seven-year-old biological son, causing grievous hurt to his wife, attempting suicide, and sexually assaulting his stepdaughter.

The charge of attempting to murder his biological son was framed under Section 307 of the Penal Code, punishable with a maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment and a fine. The grievous hurt charge against his wife, 48 at the time, was under Section 325 read together with Section 326A of the Penal Code, carrying up to seven years’ imprisonment and a fine.

The case has drawn attention both in Malaysia and Nigeria, highlighting the consequences of violent crimes against minors and family members. Authorities confirmed that the death sentence will be carried out according to Malaysian law, pending any appeals.