By Emmanuel Kwada
Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Wuse Zone 2, has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel singer Osinachi, to death by hanging.
The verdict, delivered today, brings closure to a high-profile case that has gripped the nation since Osinachi’s tragic death on April 8, 2022.
The court held that Nwachukwu’s actions directly resulted in the death of the beloved singer, known for her soul-stirring hit “Ekwueme
Justice Nwosu-Iheme found Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide, ruling that the prosecution, led by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF), had convincingly proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court held that Nwachukwu’s actions directly resulted in the death of the beloved singer, known for her soul-stirring hit “Ekwueme.”
Nwachukwu was arraigned on June 3, 2022, facing a 23-count charge that included culpable homicide punishable by death, spousal battery, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, and other offenses.
The trial, which spanned nearly three years, saw the prosecution call 17 witnesses, including Osinachi’s own children, who testified as the fourth and fifth prosecution witnesses (PW4 and PW5). The prosecution also tendered 25 documents as exhibits, painting a harrowing picture of abuse and violence.
In his defense, Nwachukwu took the stand and called four additional witnesses, submitting four exhibits. However, the evidence presented by the prosecution—including chilling testimonies from Osinachi’s children—overwhelmed the defense’s efforts.
Two years imprisonment each on Counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18, six months on Count 10, and three years on Count 11. The court also imposed fines of N500,000 and N200,000 on Counts 6 and 7, respectively
Before the sentencing, Nwachukwu’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, made a final plea for leniency, while prosecuting counsel Mrs. Aderonke Imala urged the court to uphold the full weight of the law.
Delivering her judgment, Justice Nwosu-Iheme sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging on Count 1, the charge of culpable homicide. Additional sentences included two years imprisonment each on Counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18, six months on Count 10, and three years on Count 11. The court also imposed fines of N500,000 and N200,000 on Counts 6 and 7, respectively.
The sentencing has sparked widespread reactions across Nigeria, with many hailing it as a victory for justice and a stern warning against domestic violence. Osinachi’s death in 2022, initially shrouded in mystery, had ignited national outrage after allegations surfaced that she suffered years of abuse at the hands of her husband. Her passing left a void in the gospel music community, where she was celebrated as a voice of inspiration and faith.
As the courtroom emptied today, the echoes of Justice Nwosu-Iheme’s gavel reverberated beyond Abuja, signaling a resounding affirmation of accountability in a case that has become a symbol of the fight against gender-based violence in Nigeria.
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