The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of culpable homicide.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme delivered the judgment on Monday, holding that the prosecution had successfully discharged the burden of proof required by law, leading to Nwachukwu’s conviction.
Osinachi, widely loved for her powerful gospel music, died on April 8, 2022. Although initial reports suggested she succumbed to cancer, disturbing revelations from family members, neighbours, and church associates later exposed a pattern of domestic violence. Witnesses testified that Nwachukwu brutally kicked her in the chest shortly before her death.
Following these revelations, authorities arrested Nwachukwu and arraigned him on June 3, 2022. The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF), acting on behalf of the Federal Government, filed a 23-count charge against him. The charges included culpable homicide (punishable by death), spousal battery, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, among others.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution called 17 witnesses, including two of Osinachi’s children, and tendered 25 documentary exhibits. In defence, Nwachukwu testified personally, presented four witnesses, and submitted four exhibits.
Before sentencing, Nwachukwu’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, pleaded for leniency, while prosecuting counsel, Mrs. Aderonke Imala, urged the court to uphold the dictates of justice without compromise.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme sentenced Peter Nwachukwu to death by hanging on Count 1. In addition, he received multiple sentences on the other charges, including two years’ imprisonment on several counts, six months on one count, and fines of N500,000 and N200,000 on others.
The judgment marks a significant legal and emotional milestone in a case that captured national attention and ignited widespread calls for action against domestic violence.
