A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging.
Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme delivered the judgment on Monday, April 28, 2025, after finding Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide leading to the death of his wife on April 8, 2022.
Osinachi, famed for her powerful gospel vocals and popular collaborations like “Ekwueme,” tragically passed away following years of reported domestic abuse. Her death sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for action against domestic violence.
Peter Nwachukwu was arraigned on June 3, 2022, on a 23-count charge, including culpable homicide, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, spousal battery, and criminal intimidation of children. During the trial, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses, including two of the couple’s children, and submitted 25 pieces of evidence. In his defense, Nwachukwu called four witnesses and tendered four exhibits.
Despite pleas for leniency by his defense counsel, Justice Nwosu-Iheme emphasized that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. She sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging on Count 1.
In addition to the death sentence, Peter Nwachukwu received multiple other punishments:
Two years’ imprisonment each on Counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18
Six months’ imprisonment on Count 10
Three years’ imprisonment on Count 11
Fines of ₦500,000 and ₦200,000 on Counts 6 and 7, respectively.
The judgment marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s battle against domestic violence and has been widely regarded as justice for Osinachi and other victims suffering in silence.
