Enugu High Court Sentences Killer of Makeup Artist, Ijeoma Nneka, to Death by Hanging

By Ngbede James

The Enugu State High Court has delivered a verdict in the case of the late makeup artist, Ijeoma Nneka, bringing justice for her untimely demise. Chiamaka Ifezue, the perpetrator behind the heinous crime, has been sentenced to death by hanging.

The tragic incident occurred on November 11, 2020, when Chiamaka Ifezue, alongside her sibling, Chukwuemeka Ifezue, were charged with conspiracy and murder.

The duo forced the 27-year-old makeup artist to ingest a poisonous substance, resulting in her death.

While Chukwuemeka Ifezue was discharged on July 28, 2022, due to lack of evidence implicating his involvement in the crime, Chiamaka Ifezue was found guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Justice K.I. Okpe, presiding over the case, concurred with the prosecution led by Mrs. Chinelo Chigbo from the Department of Public Prosecution.

During the trial, evidence presented by the prosecution included a broken 9Mobile SIM card, an itel phone, another black phone with no brand name, an MTN SIM pack, and makeup tools belonging to the deceased. Additionally, the key of a Toyota Matrix Scan with registration number JJJ410BJ, allegedly used to transport the victim’s body, was tendered as evidence.

The court also considered WhatsApp messages and text messages exchanged by the deceased with her fiancé and girlfriend while at the scene of the crime. Chiamaka Ifezue’s actions, including dumping the body at the Maryland axis of Enugu metropolis and pouring a corrosive substance suspected to be acid on it, were pivotal in securing the conviction.