LunagisthubRussian Man Accused of Killing Nigerian Student Gets Charges Dropped to Fight in Ukraine
A Moscow court has suspended criminal proceedings against Vladimir Shilontsev, a Russian man accused of murdering a 22-year-old Nigerian student, Owena Favour Nkem. The case was dropped after Shilontsev signed a contract to join the Russian army .
According to reports, Shilontsev invited Nkem to his home on April 28, 2025, where a dispute over payment for their encounter escalated into a violent argument. Shilontsev allegedly stabbed Nkem through the heart, wrapped her body in a sheet, and threw it out the window. Nkem’s corpse was discovered the next morning by a janitor.
Nkem, who moved to Russia in 2023 to study, reportedly worked in the sex industry. Shilontsev was arrested at the end of April but will now serve in the Russian army instead of facing trial.
This case highlights Russia’s practice of recruiting convicts to fight in Ukraine. Since the start of the war, men facing trial or serving time in prison have been offered contracts with the army as an alternative to custodial sentences.
The decision to drop charges against Shilontsev raises questions about justice and accountability, particularly in cases involving serious crimes. It also underscores the complexities of Russia’s military recruitment strategies and the impact on the justice system.
Lunagisthub
