Anambra Court Sentences Man to Death for Killing 74-Year-Old Mother

The High Court of Anambra State High Court sitting in Ogidi, Idemili Judicial Division, has sentenced 37-year-old Chidubem Anawonwa to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering his mother, 74-year-old Theresa Anawonwa.

The judgment was delivered by Justice Lauretta Oyeka in case number HID/7C/2020.

Court records show that the incident occurred on 23 April 2019 at Umuokokpa Aborji village, Oba, in Idemili South Local Government Area. The prosecution stated that the convict assaulted his mother repeatedly before strangling her inside their home while his young niece was locked in another room.

The prosecution team, led by Chief State Counsel Obiageli Nwankiti and Principal State Counsel Uju Igboeli, told the court that the defendant had a documented pattern of violence against the deceased, including prior physical assaults and threats to kill her.

Five witnesses testified for the state. The court rejected the defendant’s claim of alibi, ruling that it was not supported by the evidence presented.

After reviewing the facts and testimonies, the court held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and imposed the death penalty.