Peter Nwachukwu, husband of late gospel singer Osinachi, has been sentenced to death by hanging. Find out all the shocking details from the courtroom and the final verdict!
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of late gospel music sensation, Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging for culpable homicide.
Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Nwosu-Iheme held that the prosecution team had successfully discharged the burden of proof against Nwachukwu beyond reasonable doubt. The judge declared that the evidence presented clearly established that Nwachukwu’s actions directly led to Osinachi’s death on April 8, 2022.
The tragic case, which drew nationwide outrage and sympathy, climaxed after nearly two years of courtroom drama. Nwachukwu was arraigned on June 3, 2022, on a 23-count charge bordering on homicide, domestic violence, spousal and child battery, and criminal intimidation, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF).
During the emotionally charged trial, the prosecution called 17 witnesses, including two of the deceased’s children who testified as Prosecution Witnesses (PW4 and PW5). In addition, 25 documentary exhibits were tendered to solidify the case against Nwachukwu.
In his defence, Nwachukwu testified personally and called four witnesses while submitting four exhibits. However, the court found his defence weak and unconvincing.
In a last-ditch effort to save his life, Nwachukwu’s lawyer, Reginald Nwali, passionately pleaded for mercy, begging the court to temper justice with compassion. But the prosecutor, Mrs. Aderonke Imala, stood her ground, urging the court to impose the full weight of the law, given the grievous nature of the offence.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme, unmoved by the plea, sentenced Peter Nwachukwu to death by hanging on count one of the charges.
In addition to the death sentence, the court slammed other punishments on Nwachukwu:
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,
Fines of ₦500,000 and ₦200,000 on counts 6 and 7, respectively.
With the judgment delivered, many Nigerians are now asking: Has justice finally been served for Osinachi?
Recall that Osinachi Nwachukwu, famed for her powerful voice and inspirational songs, was reported to have endured years of domestic abuse in her marriage before her untimely death. Her tragic passing sparked nationwide conversations about domestic violence and the culture of silence among victims.
Today’s judgment is being celebrated in many quarters as a landmark victory for victims of domestic violence across Nigeria.
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