Osinachi Nwachukwu

Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, has been sentenced to death by hanging by the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja.

Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme delivered the judgement on Monday, dismissing Nwachukwu’s no-case submission and finding him guilty of culpable homicide in connection with his wife’s death on April 8, 2022.

Nwachukwu was arraigned on June 3, 2022, on a 23-count charge brought by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation. The charges included culpable homicide, spousal battery, cruelty to children, and criminal intimidation.

During the trial, the prosecution called 17 witnesses, including two of the couple’s children, and tendered 25 exhibits. In his defence, Nwachukwu testified personally and called four other witnesses, presenting four exhibits.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. Despite pleas for leniency from Nwachukwu’s lawyer, Reginald Nwali, the court sentenced him to death by hanging on Count 1. He also received additional prison sentences ranging from six months to three years on other counts, along with a total fine of ₦700,000.

The prosecution team was led by Mrs Aderonke Imana.

Osinachi Nwachukwu, who rose to fame with her 2017 collaboration on the gospel hit song Ekwueme with Prospa Ochimana, passed away at the age of 42. Following her death, several colleagues alleged that she had suffered prolonged domestic abuse at the hands of her husband.