Enugu Man Arraigned For Allegedly Taking Wife’s Life With Axe As Government Condemns Gender Violence

 

A disturbing tragedy has shaken Amuri community in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State after a 46-year-old man, identified as Livinus Aniegbunam Okoh, was accused of brutally taking the life of his wife, Onyinyechi Okoh. The incident, which occurred in the early hours of October 8, 2025, has sparked outrage across the state and renewed calls for stronger measures against domestic violence.

Residents of the quiet rural community were thrown into disbelief when news broke that Okoh had allegedly struck his wife with an axe during a domestic altercation, inflicting fatal injuries on her lower jaw. According to police reports, the act resulted in her immediate d3ath. The accused, who was promptly arrested by law enforcement officers, now faces a serious criminal charge that carries a severe penalty under the law.

During his arraignment before Magistrate Uche Jideofor of Court 3, Enugu East Magisterial District, Okoh was charged with one count of m8rder in the case marked CME/821C/2025, titled Commissioner of Police vs. Livinus Aniegbunam Okoh. The prosecution, led by C.O. Ugwu and A.C. Amalu, informed the court that the alleged crime violated Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State.

The charge sheet clearly stated that on October 8, 2025, at about 4:00 a.m., the defendant unlawfully caused the d3ath of his 46-year-old wife by hitting her with an axe on the lower jaw. The case, described as a shocking act of domestic brutality, has left many residents calling for justice and greater protection for women facing abuse in their homes.

Despite being brought before the court, Okoh was yet to take a plea. Magistrate Jideofor declared that the court lacked the jurisdiction to grant bail or entertain the substantive charge, as such offences must be handled by a higher court. The magistrate ordered that the accused be remanded at the Enugu Correctional Centre pending advice from the Enugu State Ministry of Justice. The case was adjourned to December 17, 2025, for further proceedings.

Legal experts note that the next stage will involve a review of the case file by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions to determine whether sufficient evidence exists to sustain a formal charge before the High Court. This process, though procedural, is crucial in ensuring that the case follows due legal channels.

Public reaction to the gruesome killing has been swift and emotional. Advocacy groups, civil society organizations, and individuals have expressed deep concern over the rising cases of domestic violence that continue to claim lives in many parts of Nigeria. Many have described the incident as both heartbreaking and preventable, urging communities to take proactive steps in identifying and reporting potential cases of abuse before they escalate to tragedy.

The Enugu State Government has publicly condemned the incident through a strong statement issued by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih. She described the killing as a “grave reminder of the persistent and unacceptable menace of gender-based violence in our society.” Her statement emphasized that violence against women is not only unlawful but also a direct violation of human rights and dignity.

Mrs. Enih called on the judiciary, law enforcement agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to ensure that justice is served swiftly and fairly. She reaffirmed Governor Peter Mbah’s administration’s zero-tolerance policy toward domestic violence, stressing that the government remains unwavering in its commitment to protect women and girls from abuse. According to her, the state will continue to strengthen policies and advocacy programs that empower victims to speak up and seek help before situations turn fatal.

She further extended heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, urging them to remain strong while trusting the justice system to deliver accountability. The commissioner also used the opportunity to appeal to community members to break the culture of silence surrounding domestic violence, pointing out that silence only enables perpetrators to continue their abuse without consequence.

Human rights organizations across Enugu have also expressed solidarity with the family of the late Onyinyechi Okoh. They have called for collective societal action to tackle the root causes of domestic abuse, including poverty, substance misuse, and the normalization of male dominance in household disputes. According to them, justice for Onyinyechi should mark a turning point in the state’s campaign against gender-based violence.

As the legal process unfolds, the tragedy serves as a grim reflection of the deep scars left by domestic conflict. The case has reignited discussions about the urgent need for family counseling services, stronger social welfare support, and community education on conflict resolution.

Observers believe that this case will test not only the state’s judicial process but also the broader commitment of authorities to enforce existing laws protecting women from violence. For now, all eyes remain on the Enugu State Ministry of Justice as the public waits for the next phase of legal action against Livinus Okoh, whose alleged act has left a family shattered and a community demanding justice.