The Court of Appeal in Lagos has upheld the death sentence of Peter Nielsen, a Danish national, for the murder of his Nigerian wife, Zainab, and their three-year-old daughter, as reported by The Cable on July 22, 2024.
The judgment, delivered on Friday, dismissed Nielsen’s appeal for lacking merit.
The appellate court concurred with the Lagos state government’s ability to prove the murder charges against Nielsen beyond a reasonable doubt.
Nielsen’s appeal argued that his defense was compromised due to the “missing exhibits as a result of the EndSARS attack on the court.”
However, the court ruled that this did not affect the outcome of the trial.
The original trial had taken place after the Lagos state government arraigned Nielsen on June 13, 2018, on a two-count charge of murder, an offense contrary to Section 223 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos 2015.
Nielsen had pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The tragic incident occurred on April 5, 2018, at the couple’s residence on Banana Island, Lagos. Nielsen was accused of killing his wife, Zainab, a popular singer also known as Alizee, and their daughter.
During the trial, Nielsen claimed that he had woken up at 2:30 am on the day of the incident to get snacks and drinks for his wife and daughter before returning to bed.
He testified that he later found his wife and daughter in the kitchen, where he perceived a strong smell of gas.
Nielsen told the court that he had dragged his wife to the living room and asked one of the girls residing with them to carry his daughter.
He said he covered them with two blankets after realizing they had died.
Despite his testimony, the prosecution presented compelling evidence that contradicted Nielsen’s account and established his guilt.
In 2022, the trial judge, Bolanle Okikiolu-Ighile, found Nielsen guilty of murder and sentenced him to death by hanging.
The judge noted that the evidence presented by the prosecution, including forensic reports and witness testimonies, was sufficient to convict Nielsen.
The defense’s attempt to attribute the deaths to a gas leak was dismissed by the court as unsubstantiated.
The case has drawn significant attention both in Nigeria and internationally, highlighting issues of domestic violence and the legal system’s response to such crimes.
The confirmation of Nielsen’s death sentence by the appellate court reinforces the Nigerian judiciary’s stance on serious crimes, particularly those involving domestic violence and the murder of family members.
The Lagos state government has expressed satisfaction with the appellate court’s decision, emphasizing its commitment to ensuring justice for victims of violence.
The ruling serves as a sobering reminder of the severe consequences of domestic violence and the importance of the legal system in upholding justice.
As Nielsen faces the prospect of execution, the case underscores the critical need for continued efforts to address and prevent domestic violence in Nigeria.
It also highlights the challenges faced by the judiciary in handling cases involving foreign nationals and the impact of external factors, such as the EndSARS protests, on the judicial process.
The Cable will continue to monitor developments in this case and report on any further legal proceedings or reactions from the involved parties and the public.
The upholding of Nielsen’s death sentence marks a significant moment in the fight against domestic violence and the quest for justice for victims….Seē _ Morē