Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, has been sentenced to death by hanging by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme, delivering the ruling on Monday, found him guilty of culpable homicide in connection with his wife’s death on April 8, 2022—a case that drew nationwide outrage and renewed attention to domestic violence in Nigeria. The court ruled that the prosecution, led by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Nwachukwu, arraigned on June 3, 2022, faced a 23-count charge that included homicide, spousal abuse, child cruelty, and intimidation.
The prosecution presented 17 witnesses, including two of the couple’s children, along with 25 documentary exhibits highlighting ongoing abuse. Despite presenting his own testimony, four witnesses, and four exhibits, the court found the defence’s case insufficient. While his lawyer, Reginald Nwali, requested leniency due to Nwachukwu’s role as a father, prosecutor Aderonke Imana urged the court to deliver full justice for Osinachi.
In her ruling, Justice Nwosu-Iheme emphasized the severity of the crime and sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging on the count of culpable homicide.
