Court Sentences Late Gospel Singer Osinachi’s Husband to Death by Hanging
Landmark Verdict in High-Profile Domestic Violence Case
Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Wuse delivered a historic verdict on Monday, sentencing Peter Nwachukwu, husband of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging for culpable homicide.
Video credit to: Comrade Justine Obi
The Case That Shook the Nation
The emotionally charged trial, which began in June 2022, concluded with the judge finding Nwachukwu guilty in connection with the death of the popular gospel artist who passed away on April 8, 2022. The case had drawn national attention due to Osinachi’s celebrity status and disturbing allegations of prolonged domestic abuse.
Legal Proceedings and Evidence
The prosecution, led by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, had originally charged Nwachukwu with 23 counts including:
- Culpable homicide punishable by death
- Criminal intimidation
- Cruelty to children
- Spousal battery
During the trial, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses, including two of the late singer’s children, and submitted 25 documentary exhibits. The defense called four witnesses and presented four exhibits in Nwachukwu’s defense.
Final Judgment and Sentencing
In her detailed ruling, Justice Nwosu-Iheme imposed multiple sentences:
- Death by hanging for culpable homicide
- Two years imprisonment each for seven counts
- Six months imprisonment for one count
- Three years imprisonment for another count
- Fines totaling N700,000 for two additional counts
The verdict comes after the judge dismissed Nwachukwu’s no-case submission, allowing the trial to proceed to its conclusion.
National Impact and Domestic Violence Awareness
Osinachi’s tragic death and subsequent trial have sparked nationwide conversations about domestic violence in Nigeria, particularly within religious communities. The case has become a landmark in Nigeria’s legal history regarding spousal abuse and women’s rights.
For more details on this developing story, read the original report.