Police arraign Enugu man for killing his wife in a shocking case of domestic violence in Enugu. Government vows zero tolerance and swift justice.
A disturbing case of domestic violence in Enugu has once again drawn public outrage and government condemnation after the Police arraigned a 46-year-old man, Livinus Aniegbunam Okoh, for allegedly killing his wife, Mrs. Onyinyechi Okoh, at Amuri community in Nkanu West Local Government Area.
The tragic event has reignited urgent conversations about the growing threat of domestic abuse and the need for justice for victims.
Okoh appeared before Magistrate Uche Jideofor of Court 3, Enugu East Magisterial District, on a one-count charge of murder in the case Commissioner of Police vs. Livinus Aniegbunam Okoh (CME/821C/2025). The case, prosecuted by C.O. Ugwu and A.C. Amalu, has become a focal point in the ongoing fight against domestic violence in Enugu.
According to the Police report, the incident occurred on October 8, 2025, around 4:00 a.m., when the accused allegedly attacked his wife during a domestic altercation. Investigations revealed that Okoh struck his wife with an axe on her lower jaw, causing fatal injuries that led to her death.
The formal charge reads: “That you, Livinus Aniegbunam Okoh ‘m’, on the 8th day of October 2025, at about 4:00 a.m., at Umuedum Amuri in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, did unlawfully kill one Onyinye Okoh, aged 46, by hitting her with an axe on her lower jaw, which led to her death.”
The offence is punishable under Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Enugu State.
When the case was called, Okoh did not take a plea, as the Magistrate Court lacks jurisdiction over capital offences such as murder. Magistrate Uche Jideofor ruled 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 report and further hearing.
The Enugu State Government swiftly condemned the incident, describing it as a tragic reflection of the persistent threat of domestic violence in Enugu and across Nigeria.
In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Children, Gender Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Ngozi Enih, the government expressed deep grief over the murder, calling it “a grave reminder of the ongoing menace of gender-based violence in our society.”
She emphasized that violence against women is a serious violation of human rights, urging law enforcement and the judiciary to ensure swift and fair justice for the victim.
Mrs. Enih reaffirmed the zero-tolerance policy of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration toward all forms of gender-based violence, noting that the government will continue to support programs aimed at protecting women and children across the state.
“This case highlights the urgent need to end the cycle of domestic violence in Enugu. Every woman deserves safety and respect. We must continue to speak out, support survivors, and ensure perpetrators face the full weight of the law,” Enih stated.
The murder has sent shockwaves across the Amuri community and beyond. Residents described the couple as ordinary people whose relationship had recently deteriorated. Many have expressed sadness and disbelief that such violence could erupt within their midst.
Several women’s rights groups and advocacy organizations have condemned the act, calling for justice and improved preventive measures. One such group, Voices Against Domestic Violence in Enugu, described the killing as “a heartbreaking reminder that too many women still suffer in silence.”
The organization urged the government to provide more safe shelters, counseling services, and legal aid for victims of domestic abuse. It also called for stronger enforcement of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP), which seeks to criminalize and curb domestic and gender-based violence.
Community leaders and religious figures have also joined the conversation, appealing for greater awareness campaigns and early intervention mechanisms. They stressed the need for cultural and moral reorientation to promote non-violence and mutual respect within families.
Experts have noted that domestic violence in Enugu continues to pose a serious social and legal challenge despite the state’s adoption of the VAPP law. Many cases go unreported due to fear, stigma, or lack of access to justice.
Human rights advocates argue that education, economic empowerment, and legal awareness are crucial to tackling the root causes of abuse. They call for the creation of specialized courts, well-trained investigators, and more robust community support systems.
Legal analysts emphasize that justice must not only punish offenders but also serve as a deterrent to others. The murder of Mrs. Okoh, they say, should be a wake-up call for both government and citizens to take domestic violence in Enugu more seriously and act collectively to prevent future tragedies.
Commissioner Enih reassured the public that the Enugu State Government remains committed to working with the police, judiciary, and civil society organizations to strengthen the fight against gender-based violence.
She extended her condolences to the bereaved family and urged residents to report every case of abuse, no matter how minor it may seem. According to her, “silence protects the abuser and endangers the victim.”
Enih added that the government would continue to engage traditional rulers, community leaders, and media organizations to intensify public education campaigns about the dangers of domestic violence.
She also hinted at plans to increase funding for social welfare programs, establish more family support centers, and expand awareness initiatives that teach peaceful conflict resolution in homes.
The case of Livinus Aniegbunam Okoh stands as a chilling reminder that domestic violence in Enugu remains a dangerous social problem demanding urgent action. Beyond the courtroom, it reflects the deep-seated issues of anger, inequality, and silence that perpetuate abuse in society.
As the state awaits the legal outcome, the call for justice grows louder — not only for Mrs. Onyinyechi Okoh but for every woman whose voice has been silenced by violence.
The collective resolve of government, civil society, and the people will determine whether such tragedies continue or finally come to an end.
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