Man Sentenced To 15 Years Imprisonment For Killing Wife

Justice Raliat Adebiyi of Lagos High Court, Ikeja Judicial Division on Thursday sentenced a man, Nkem Iheanacho to fifteen years imprisonment over charges of manslaughter that led to the death of his wife, Regina.

Iheanacho, a marine engineer and relation of the former Minister of Interior, Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho had been on trial for the last two years over the death of his wife. The couple lived at No 3. Calvary Road, Iyana-Isasi, Lagos-Badagry Expressway before the incident happened.

On May 12, 2013, Ikem accused his wife of adultery which led to beating her to a state of unconsciousness. He did not take her to the hospital immediately which led to the death of Regina in the house.

Justice Raliat Adebiyi found Nkem guilty of killing Regina as prescribed in Section 227 of Criminal Law of Lagos State.

 In sentencing the convict, the court said Nkem is an educated man who had knowledge of the implications of his action pointing out that the convict had responsibility to take care of the deceased and not to turn her into punching bag or treat her like animal.

“I have taken into account the prevalence of domestic violence in the country and this sense is to send a message to men who still engage is such a callous act to desist.I also took note of the average Nigerian male expectancy age in Nigeria to be 54-years according to the World Health Organisation. The defendant was 34-years – old when he committed the crime, he is now 38-years – old. I hereby sentenced you, Nkem Iheanacho to 15 years in prison with effect from March 13, the date of the judgment,” Justice Adebiyi said.

Iheanacho’s counsel, Mr Akaene Spurgeon, immediately his client was found guilty, had in his allocutus, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy. I urge the court to temper justice with mercy, the defendant  has shown serious remorse for his actions.  He is a young man and a marine engineer with three young children to cater for,” Spurgeon said.

Responding, the prosecutor, Ms Olugasa urged the court to do substantial justice in the case.

Justice Adebiyi who said her judgement is to serve as a lessons to others who are fond of committing domestic violence to stop such act added that the sentence will begin from today. Immediately after the sentenced, Iheanacho  wore a resigned expression on his face and was immediately led out of the courtroom by prison officials.