Nigerian Court sentences late gospel singer Osinachi’s husband to death by hanging

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late gospel singer Osinachi, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of culpable homicide in connection with her death on April 8, 2022.

The court pronounced the sentence on Monday during a ruling delivered by Justice Nwosu-Iheme after the court had held that the prosecution had proven the burden of proof placed on it by the law and subsequently found the defendant guilty.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging on Count 1. For other charges, he received varying sentences, including two years’ imprisonment on several counts, six months on one count, and a fine of N500,000 and N200,000 on others.

Osinachi passed away in April 2022 after allegedly being beaten by her husband, Peter Nwachukwu.

While initial reports claimed she died from cancer, testimonies from family, church members, and neighbours revealed that she was a victim of domestic violence. Witnesses stated that Nwachukwu kicked her in the chest prior to her death.

This led to Nwachukwu’s arrest, and he was arraigned on June 3, 2022, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF), representing the Federal Government.

He faced a 23-count charge, including culpable homicide (punishable by death), criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, spousal battery, and other offences.

During the trial, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses, including Osinachi’s two children, who testified as prosecution witnesses. Additionally, 25 documents were submitted as evidence.

Nwachukwu testified in his defence, calling four witnesses and presenting four exhibits.

Before sentencing, Nwachukwu’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, pleaded for leniency, while the prosecuting counsel, Mrs. Aderonke Imala, urged the court to enforce the law.