Court Sentences Gospel Singer Osinachi’s Husband to Death by Hanging

Abuja, Nigeria – Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, has been sentenced to death by hanging by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.

Video credit to: that mum of 5

Guilty Verdict for Culpable Homicide

Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme delivered the verdict on Friday, finding Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide in connection with his wife’s death on April 8, 2022. The court ruled that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Background of the Case

Nwachukwu was initially arraigned on June 3, 2022, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on a 23-count charge, including culpable homicide, spousal battery, child cruelty, and criminal intimidation.

Trial Proceedings

During the trial, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses — including two of the deceased’s children — and submitted 25 exhibits. In his defense, Nwachukwu testified personally, called four witnesses, and presented four documents as evidence.

Sentencing Details

Before sentencing, Nwachukwu’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, pleaded for leniency, while prosecuting counsel Mrs. Aderonke Imala urged the court to enforce the law as stipulated.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging on the first count. He received additional prison sentences: two years each on counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18; six months on count 10; and three years on count 11. The court also fined him ₦500,000 and ₦200,000 on counts 6 and 7, respectively.

Legacy of Osinachi Nwachukwu

Osinachi Nwachukwu, widely known for her hit song “Ekwueme,” died at age 42. Her tragic death sparked nationwide outrage in Nigeria and led to widespread demands for justice in domestic violence cases.

Full credit to the original publisher: The Herald