Enugu Man Arraigned for Allegedly Killing Wife with Axe

A 46-year-old man, Livinus Okoh, has been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Enugu for allegedly killing his wife, Onyinyechi, with an axe at Amuri in Nkanu West Local Government Area.

Okoh appeared before Magistrate Uche Jideofor of Court 3, Enugu East Magisterial District, on a one-count charge of murder in the case *Commissioner of Police vs. Livinus Aniegbunam Okoh* (marked CME/821C/2025). The case is being prosecuted by C.O. Ugwu and A.C. Amalu.

According to the police, the accused committed the offence on October 8, 2025, around 4:00 a.m., when he allegedly struck his wife on the lower jaw with an axe, leading to her death. The act contravenes Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State.

The charge stated that Okoh “did unlawfully kill one Onyinye Okoh, aged 46, by hitting her with an axe on her lower jaw, which led to her death.” The accused has yet to enter a plea.

Magistrate Jideofor ruled that the court lacked jurisdiction to grant bail in the matter and ordered Okoh’s remand at the correctional centre. The case file has been forwarded to the Enugu State Ministry of Justice for legal advice, with the matter adjourned to December 17, 2025.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Government has condemned the killing, describing it as a tragic example of gender-based violence. Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, called the incident “a grave reminder of the persistent and unacceptable menace of gender-based violence in our society.”

She urged the judiciary and relevant authorities to ensure swift justice, stressing that violence against women is a gross violation of human rights and contrary to the principles of equality and dignity.

Enih reaffirmed Governor Peter Mbah’s administration’s zero-tolerance policy on domestic violence, pledging continued advocacy for the protection of women and girls. She extended condolences to the family of the deceased and encouraged community members to report all forms of abuse, warning that silence only emboldens perpetrators.

The commissioner assured that the state government would continue to work with law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and civil society organizations to ensure justice and prevent similar tragedies in the future.