Abuja, Nigeria — The Federal Capital Territory High Court on Monday sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of late gospel singer Osinachi, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of culpable homicide. This verdict follows the tragic death of Osinachi on April 8, 2022, with the court ruling that the prosecution effectively proved its case against Nwachukwu.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme delivered the judgment, stating that the prosecution met the legal burden of proof required for a conviction in this serious case. The court determined that Nwachukwu’s actions directly led to the death of his wife, prompting significant public outrage surrounding issues of domestic violence in Nigeria.
Nwachukwu faced charges filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, encompassing 23 counts, which included culpable homicide, criminal intimidation, and spousal battery. He was initially arraigned on June 3, 2022.
During the trial, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses, which included their two children, and submitted 25 pieces of evidence. Nwachukwu, in his defense, testified and called four witnesses, while his lawyer, Reginald Nwali, appealed to the court for leniency, emphasizing the need to temper justice with mercy.
However, the prosecutor, Mrs. Aderonke Imala, countered these pleas, urging the court to enforce the law strictly. The judge, ultimately agreeing with the prosecution, imposed a death sentence on Nwachukwu for Count 1 of the charges. Additionally, he received two years imprisonment each on Counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18, a six-month sentence for Count 10, and three years for Count 11. He was also fined N500,000 and N200,000 for Counts 6 and 7, respectively.
The case has captured national attention and ignited conversations about the urgent need to address domestic violence and protect vulnerable family members in Nigeria. Many citizens have expressed their frustrations and demands for justice following the singer’s untimely demise.
Many observers see this verdict as a critical step towards holding perpetrators of domestic violence accountable and hope it will encourage more victims to come forward and seek help.
