A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Enugu East has placed Anthony Onyeukwu, 47, in custody regarding the death of his 11-year-old houseboy, Goodluck John.
In a statement released yesterday, the Commissioner of Gender, Ngozi Enih, indicated that this action is part of Enugu State’s ongoing efforts to address child abuse.
Enih explained that Onyeukwu’s arrest was prompted by a report from the ministry’s whistleblower channels, which revealed that Goodluck’s death was a result of mistreatment within his household.
Onyeukwu is accused of hastily burying Goodluck’s body in Abia State without notifying the authorities, claiming the boy passed away from an illness at Park Lane Hospital in Enugu.
However, Enih pointed out that hospital records refuted this assertion, showing no admission or record of the body.
The statement noted that during the arraignment of the suspect last week, Police Prosecutor Inspector Calista Ifeanyi contended that Onyeukwu’s actions are punishable under Enugu State’s Revised Criminal Code.
She emphasized that the case underscores the state’s dedication to safeguarding children’s rights and preventing abuse, as outlined in the Child’s Rights and Responsibility Law of 2016.
The charge sheet, labeled CME/631C/2024, stated, “That you, Onyeukwu Anthony, ‘m’ on the 15th day of October 2024, at around 20:30 hours at No. 4, Mike Onyeka Close, Loma Linda Extension, Maryland, Enugu, within the jurisdiction of this honorable court, did unlawfully kill one Goodluck John ‘m’ aged 11 years, thereby committing an offense punishable under Section 274 (1) of the Criminal Code, CAP 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004.”
The Chief Magistrate then ordered the suspect to be remanded in the Correctional Centre, Enugu, and adjourned the hearing to November 20, 2024, when a report from the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ministry of Justice, Enugu, is anticipated.
