After nearly three years of legal battle, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has finally delivered judgment in the case of Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu.
On Monday, Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme sentenced Peter to death by hanging, after finding him guilty of late wife’s death.
Osinachi, known for her powerful voice and hit song Ekwueme, died on April 8, 2022, at the age of 42. Her death shocked the nation, especially after reports surfaced that she had suffered years of domestic abuse from her husband, Peter.
Peter Nwachukwu was arraigned in court on June 3, 2022, on a 23-count charge including culpable homicide, spousal abuse, cruelty to children, and criminal intimidation. Despite efforts by his lawyers to dismiss the case, the court ruled that the evidence was overwhelming.
The prosecution team, led by Mrs. Aderonke Imana, called 17 witnesses, including two of Osinachi’s children, and presented 25 exhibits. Meanwhile, Peter defended himself with four witnesses and four exhibits, but the court was not convinced.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme ruled that the government had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt, and sentenced Peter to death on the charge of culpable homicide. He also received additional prison terms ranging from six months to three years on other charges and was fined a total of ₦700,000.
Though Peter’s lawyer pleaded for mercy, the court insisted that justice must be served.
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Osinachi’s death sparked a national conversation about domestic violence, with many using her story to call for better protection of victims.
