On November 11, 2024, a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Enugu East has ordered the remand of 47-year-old Anthony Onyeukwu in connection with the tragic death of his 11-year-old houseboy, Goodluck John. The case has garnered significant attention and sheds light on the ongoing efforts within Enugu State to combat child abuse and protect the rights of vulnerable children.
The Commissioner for Gender, Ngozi Enih, released a statement on Sunday detailing the circumstances surrounding the case. According to Enih, Onyeukwu’s arrest was facilitated by information received through the ministry’s whistleblower channels, which suggested that Goodluck’s death was a result of abuse within the household. This revelation has raised serious concerns about the treatment of children in domestic environments.
Allegations against Onyeukwu indicate that he attempted to conceal the circumstances of Goodluck’s death by hastily burying the boy’s remains in Abia State without alerting the relevant authorities. Initially, Onyeukwu claimed that Goodluck had succumbed to an illness at Park Lane Hospital in Enugu. However, investigations revealed discrepancies in his account, as hospital records indicated that there was no record of Goodluck being admitted or that his body had been deposited there.
During the arraignment last week, Police Prosecutor Inspector Calista Ifeanyi presented the case against Onyeukwu, emphasizing the severity of the accusations. The prosecution highlighted that Onyeukwu’s actions are in violation of Enugu State’s Revised Criminal Code, and the case underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding children’s rights as stipulated in the Child’s Rights and Responsibility Law of 2016.
The charge sheet submitted to the court, marked CME/631C/2024, accuses Onyeukwu of unlawfully killing Goodluck John 2024, at approximately 8:30 PM, at his residence located at No. 4, Mike Onyeka Close, Loma Linda Extension, Maryland, Enugu. The charge specifically cites Section 274 (1) of the Criminal Code, which pertains to the unlawful killing of another individual.
Following a review of the evidence and statements presented, the Chief Magistrate ordered that Onyeukwu be remanded in the Correctional Centre in Enugu. The court has scheduled the next hearing for November 20, 2024, at which time a report from the Director of Public Prosecutions from the Ministry of Justice in Enugu is expected to be presented.
This case not only highlights the tragic loss of a young life but also serves as a reminder of the critical need for vigilance and protective measures for children in vulnerable situations. The Enugu State government continues its fight against child abuse, aiming to create a safer environment for all children
