Abuja, Nigeria – Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, has been sentenced to death by hanging for culpable homicide in the death of his wife. Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Wuse Zone 2 delivered the verdict on Monday, dismissing Nwachukwu’s no-case submission and finding him guilty of the charges brought against him.
Osinachi Nwachukwu, a beloved gospel artist, died on April 8, 2022, under circumstances that sparked national outrage and renewed calls for justice in cases of domestic violence. Her husband was subsequently arraigned on June 3, 2022, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on a 23-count charge, including culpable homicide punishable by death, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, and spousal battery.
During the trial, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses, including two of Osinachi’s children, who testified as the fourth and fifth prosecution witnesses. The court also admitted 25 exhibits as evidence. Nwachukwu, in his defense, testified and called four additional witnesses while submitting four exhibits.
In his allocutus (plea for leniency), defense counsel Reginald Nwali urged the court for mercy, while prosecution counsel Mrs. Aderonke Imala pressed for the full weight of the law to be applied.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme ruled that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. She sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging on the first count of culpable homicide. Additionally, he received two years imprisonment each on counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18; six months imprisonment on count 10; three years imprisonment on count 11; and fines of N500,000 and N200,000 on counts 6 and 7, respectively.
The case has drawn widespread attention, highlighting issues of domestic violence and the need for stronger legal protections for victims in Nigeria. Osinachi’s death had previously sparked nationwide protests and demands for justice, with many celebrating the court’s verdict as a significant step toward accountability.
The sentencing brings a measure of closure to a case that has gripped the nation for over two years, though it also serves as a somber reminder of the tragic consequences of domestic abuse.
