After nearly three years of legal proceedings, justice has finally been served in the tragic case of beloved gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, whose life was cut short in April 2022. Today, her husband, Peter Nwachukwu, was sentenced to death by hanging after being found guilty of culpable homicide by a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja.
Presiding Judge Justice Nwosu-Iheme delivered the ruling, stating that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court found Peter Nwachukwu responsible for the death of his wife, the celebrated “Ekwueme” crooner, who passed away on April 8, 2022, under circumstances that sparked nationwide outrage.
Nwachukwu was first arraigned on June 3, 2022, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) on a 23-count charge, including culpable homicide punishable by death, domestic violence, child cruelty, and intimidation.
During the trial, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses, including two of Osinachi’s children, who bravely testified against their father. A total of 25 exhibits were submitted, painting a damning picture of abuse and violence in the late singer’s home.
Nwachukwu, who maintained his innocence, testified in his own defense and called four witnesses. His lawyer, Reginald Nwali, pleaded for leniency during the sentencing phase, while the prosecution, led by Mrs. Aderonke Imala, urged the court to enforce the full weight of the law.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme ruled that Nwachukwu would face death by hanging for culpable homicide (Count 1). Additionally, he received prison terms for other charges, including two years each for spousal battery and child cruelty, and fines totaling N700,000 for related offenses.
Osinachi’s death had sent shockwaves across Nigeria, sparking conversations about domestic violence and the plight of abuse victims, even in seemingly happy marriages. Fans, fellow artists, and activists had demanded justice, and today’s verdict brings a measure of closure to a case that gripped the nation.
While the sentencing marks the end of a legal battle, it also serves as a somber reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic abuse. Osinachi’s legacy lives on through her music, but her tragic story underscores the urgent need for stronger protections for victims of gender-based violence in Nigeria.
