The FCT High Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel singer Osinachi, to death by hanging for the culpable homicide of his wife, who died on April 8, 2022. Justice Nwosu-Iheme delivered the landmark judgment on Monday, marking a significant moment in the high-profile case that has gripped the nation.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/TheNigerialawyer-WhatsApp-Channel1.jpg")
Nwachukwu was arraigned on June 3, 2022, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) on behalf of the Federal Government. He faced a 23-count charge, including culpable homicide, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, spousal battery, and other related offenses. The charges stemmed from allegations of prolonged abuse that culminated in Osinachi’s death, a case that sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for justice in cases of domestic violence.
The prosecution, led by Mrs. Aderonke Imala, presented a robust case, calling 17 witnesses, including two of Osinachi’s children, who testified as the fourth and fifth prosecution witnesses. The prosecution also submitted 25 documents as evidence to substantiate the charges. Nwachukwu, in his defense, testified and called four witnesses, presenting four exhibits to counter the allegations.
Despite a plea for leniency from Nwachukwu’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, the prosecution urged the court to deliver justice in line with the severity of the offenses. Justice Nwosu-Iheme, after a thorough review of the evidence, ruled that the prosecution had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt, meeting the legal burden required for a homicide conviction.
In her ruling, Justice Nwosu-Iheme sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging for the first count of culpable homicide. Additional sentences included:
- Two years’ imprisonment for counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18.
- Six months’ imprisonment for count 10.
- Three years’ imprisonment for count 11.
- Fines of N500,000 and N200,000 for counts 6 and 7, respectively.
The sentences reflect the court’s commitment to addressing the gravity of the offenses, which included not only the homicide but also sustained abuse and cruelty.
Osinachi, renowned for her soul-stirring gospel music, including the hit song Ekwueme, was a beloved figure in Nigeria. Her death at the age of 42, allegedly due to injuries sustained from domestic violence, led to an outpouring of grief and demands for accountability. The case has been closely followed, with many viewing the verdict as a step toward justice for victims of domestic abuse.
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