The Brussels court of assizes has handed down significant prison sentences in a tragic case involving the torture of a ten-month-old baby. On 2025-06-12 00:03:00, Emmanuel Olakunle was sentenced to 22 years, while Myriam Abraham received 20 years for the fatal abuse of baby Zion. The court found both guilty of severe maltreatment that led to the infant’s death.
- Hof van assisen veroordeelt Emmanuel Olakunle
- Myriam Abraham krijgt 20 jaar celstraf
- Baby Zion stierf door marteling ouders
- Verdachten ontkennen mishandeling van kinderen
- Jury erkent geen verzachtende omstandigheden Olakunle
- Abraham’s jeugdtrauma beïnvloedt strafmaat deels
Beyond their prison terms, the Nigerian couple will also face an additional five years under the supervision of the sentencing enforcement court. This ruling follows their conviction for causing death by torture and inflicting injuries on the woman’s two other children. How can such cruelty go unnoticed, and what does this mean for child protection in Belgium?
These questions highlight the urgent need for vigilance and support for vulnerable children. The court’s decision sends a strong message about accountability and the seriousness with which Belgium treats child abuse cases.
What lessons can Belgium draw from this heartbreaking case? The verdict underscores the challenges in detecting child abuse, especially among refugee families. It also raises questions about the support systems available to victims and perpetrators alike. Key points include:
- No mitigating circumstances were accepted for Olakunle, reflecting the gravity of his actions.
- Abraham received some leniency due to her history as a victim of sexual and physical violence.
- The extreme severity and cruelty of the crimes against a vulnerable infant were central to the sentencing.
- The case highlights the importance of early intervention and monitoring of at-risk children.
Moving forward, Belgium must reinforce its child welfare policies and ensure that vulnerable children receive timely protection. Could enhanced community awareness and support networks prevent future tragedies? Only through collective vigilance and action can such heartbreaking incidents be avoided.
