Court Sentences Enugu Makeup Artist’s Killer to Death by Hanging

In a landmark verdict, the High Court of Enugu State, on Wednesday, February 7, handed down a death sentence by hanging to Chiamaka Ifezue for the murder of 27-year-old makeup artist, Ijeoma Nneke, on November 11, 2020. Presided over by Honourable Justice Kenneth Okpe, the court delivered a two-hour judgment, concluding that the accused, Chiamaka Ifezue, was guilty of ending the victim’s life by coercing her to ingest a poisonous substance.

The tragic incident unfolded when Ijeoma Nneke left her residence on November 11, 2020, for a job, only to vanish mysteriously thereafter. Her lifeless body was discovered in Maryland, Enugu Metropolis, on November 16, 2020, sparking shock and outrage across the community.

Chiamaka Ifezue, along with her brother, Chukwuemeka, faced trial on charges of conspiracy and murder in 2021. However, in a significant development, Justice Okpe discharged Chukwuemeka following a no-case submission presented by the defense counsel, Mr. Chuma Oguejiofor.

In delivering the final judgment, Justice Okpe affirmed that the prosecution had successfully established the case against Ifezue, proving her guilt of murder beyond a reasonable doubt. This verdict marks a crucial milestone in the pursuit of justice for the late Ijeoma Nneke and serves as a deterrent against heinous crimes in the society.