Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging.
The verdict was delivered after the court found him guilty of culpable homicide, following a prolonged and emotional legal battle over the circumstances surrounding the singer’s tragic death on April 8, 2022.
Delivering judgment, Justice Nwosu-Iheme stated that the prosecution had successfully discharged the burden of proof required by law in a case of culpable homicide punishable by death.
“The evidence before this court clearly shows a pattern of abuse that ultimately led to the untimely death of the deceased,” she said.
“The prosecution has met the threshold, and the court finds the defendant guilty as charged.” The verdict was greeted with solemn silence, reflecting the gravity of the sentence.
Peter Nwachukwu was first arraigned on June 3, 2022, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) on behalf of the Federal Government.
He faced a 23-count charge, which included culpable homicide, spousal battery, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, and other forms of domestic violence.
The trial drew national attention and stirred emotions across the country, with widespread calls for justice for the late singer.
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Mrs. Aderonke Imala, presented 17 witnesses.
Among them were two of Osinachi’s children, who testified as PW4 and PW5. Their testimonies provided harrowing details of the abuse allegedly suffered by their mother.
The prosecution also submitted 25 documents as exhibits. In contrast, Nwachukwu testified in his own defense, called four witnesses, and submitted four exhibits in a bid to prove his innocence.
Before the final judgment, Nwachukwu’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, pleaded with the court for leniency, citing the emotional toll the trial had taken on his client.
However, the prosecuting counsel urged the court to apply the full weight of the law.
“This is not just about punishment,” Imala said. “It is about justice—not only for the deceased but for all victims of domestic abuse whose voices are silenced.”
In her sentencing, Justice Nwosu-Iheme ruled that Nwachukwu should die by hanging for Count 1—culpable homicide.
In addition, he was sentenced to two years imprisonment each on Counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18, which included charges related to spousal abuse and cruelty.
For Count 10, he received a six-month prison term, while Count 11 brought a three-year sentence. He was also fined N500,000 and N200,000 on Counts 6 and 7 respectively.
The judge emphasized that the court’s decision should serve as a deterrent to domestic abusers.
“This case is a wake-up call,” she noted. “The home should be a place of safety, not suffering. The law must not and will not look away when that sanctity is violated.”
Osinachi Nwachukwu rose to fame with her hit gospel song “Ekwueme,” and became a household name in Nigeria’s Christian music scene.
Her death at the age of 42 shocked the nation and drew widespread condemnation.
Many of her fans and human rights advocates believed her death was the result of long-term domestic abuse, prompting a nationwide demand for justice and better protection for victims of gender-based violence.
Following the sentencing, reactions poured in across social media and from civil society organizations. Many hailed the judgment as a landmark decision in the fight against domestic abuse in Nigeria.
“Justice has finally been served,” wrote one fan on Twitter. “Osinachi did not die in vain. May this judgment bring peace to her soul and courage to others still trapped in abusive homes.”
As the country reflects on the court’s ruling, the case remains a stark reminder of the deadly consequences of domestic violence.
It also underscores the importance of legal systems that not only punish wrongdoers but also protect the vulnerable.
For many, the hope is that this judgment will spur reforms, inspire victims to speak out, and serve as a powerful warning to abusers that justice will prevail.
