Enugu State High Court Sentences Chiamaka Ifezue to Death for Murder of Makeup Artist
In a landmark ruling, the Enugu State High Court has sentenced Chiamaka Ifezue to death by hanging for the murder of 27-year-old makeup artist, Ijeoma Nneke. Presided over by Honourable Justice Kenneth Okpe, the court delivered its verdict after a two-hour judgment on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, finding Ifezue guilty of forcing the victim to ingest a poisonous substance, resulting in her death.
The tragic incident occurred on November 11, 2020, when Nneke went missing after leaving home for a job. Her mutilated body was discovered around Maryland in the Enugu metropolis five days later. Ifezue, along with her brother Chukwuemeka, was arrested and charged with conspiracy and murder.
During the trial, Justice Okpe discharged Chukwuemeka following a no-case submission, citing lack of evidence implicating him in the crime. However, the court found Ifezue guilty of murder beyond a reasonable doubt, based on the prosecution’s compelling case led by Chinelo Chigbo.
Throughout the trial, the court admitted police exhibits related to the murder case, including currency, electronic devices, makeup tools belonging to the victim, and the key to a vehicle allegedly used to transport Nneke’s body. Sgt. Udeze Oguguo, a police officer, testified to the recovery of these exhibits from the crime scene.
In delivering the final judgment, Justice Okpe sentenced Ifezue to death by hanging, concluding a legal process that sought justice for the slain makeup artist.