Peter Nwachukwu Sentenced To Death For Killing Of Gospel Singer Osinachi Nwachukwu
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging.
Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme, delivering judgment on Monday, ruled that the prosecution had successfully proven its case against Nwachukwu, who was convicted of culpable homicide leading to his wife’s death on 8 April 2022.
Nwachukwu was first arraigned on 3 June 2022 by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on behalf of the Federal Government. He faced a 23-count charge, including culpable homicide punishable by death, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, and spousal battery, among other offences.
During the course of the trial, the prosecution called 17 witnesses, including two of the couple’s children, who testified as the fourth and fifth prosecution witnesses. The prosecution also tendered 25 documents as evidence before the court.
In his defence, Nwachukwu personally testified, presented four additional witnesses, and tendered four exhibits in support of his case.
Prior to sentencing, Nwachukwu’s lawyer, Reginald Nwali, pleaded with the court for leniency. However, the prosecution counsel, Mrs Aderonke Imala, urged the court to impose the full weight of the law.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging on Count 1 (culpable homicide). He was further sentenced to two years’ imprisonment each on Counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18.
Additionally, he received a six-month prison term for Count 10, and three years’ imprisonment for Count 11. He was also fined ₦500,000 and ₦200,000 on Counts 6 and 7, respectively.
The case, which has attracted widespread public attention, marks a significant ruling in the campaign against domestic violence in Nigeria.
