Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel music sensation Osinachi Nwachukwu, has been sentenced to death by hanging by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja.
Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Nwosu-Iheme found Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide over the tragic death of his wife on April 8, 2022—a case that shocked the nation and reignited urgent conversations around domestic violence in Nigeria's religious and social circles.
The court held that the prosecution, led by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF), had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, meeting the heavy burden required to convict Nwachukwu of such a grave offense.
Nwachukwu was initially arraigned on June 3, 2022, on a 23-count charge including homicide, spousal battery, child cruelty, and criminal intimidation. Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses, including two of the couple's children, who gave harrowing testimonies about the persistent abuse within the household. A total of 25 documents were tendered in evidence, painting a grim picture of sustained domestic violence hidden behind Osinachi’s successful music career.
In his defense, Nwachukwu personally testified and called four witnesses, submitting four exhibits. However, the court ruled that the evidence against him was overwhelming, dismissing the defense’s efforts.
Before the sentencing, Nwachukwu’s lawyer, Reginald Nwali, pleaded for leniency, citing his role as a father. However, the prosecution, led by Mrs. Aderonke Imana, urged the court to apply the full weight of the law to deliver justice for Osinachi and other victims of domestic violence.
In addition to the death sentence on the first count of culpable homicide, Justice Nwosu-Iheme sentenced Nwachukwu to various prison terms for other counts: two years each on counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18; six months on count 10; and three years on count 11. He was also fined ₦500,000 on count 6 and ₦200,000 on count 7. The sentences are to run concurrently.
The judgment marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s battle against domestic violence, sending a clear message that abuse—no matter how hidden—will be met with the full force of the law.
The court held that the prosecution, led by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF), had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, meeting the heavy burden required to convict Nwachukwu of such a grave offense.
Nwachukwu was initially arraigned on June 3, 2022, on a 23-count charge including homicide, spousal battery, child cruelty, and criminal intimidation. Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses, including two of the couple's children, who gave harrowing testimonies about the persistent abuse within the household. A total of 25 documents were tendered in evidence, painting a grim picture of sustained domestic violence hidden behind Osinachi’s successful music career.
In his defense, Nwachukwu personally testified and called four witnesses, submitting four exhibits. However, the court ruled that the evidence against him was overwhelming, dismissing the defense’s efforts.
Before the sentencing, Nwachukwu’s lawyer, Reginald Nwali, pleaded for leniency, citing his role as a father. However, the prosecution, led by Mrs. Aderonke Imana, urged the court to apply the full weight of the law to deliver justice for Osinachi and other victims of domestic violence.
In addition to the death sentence on the first count of culpable homicide, Justice Nwosu-Iheme sentenced Nwachukwu to various prison terms for other counts: two years each on counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18; six months on count 10; and three years on count 11. He was also fined ₦500,000 on count 6 and ₦200,000 on count 7. The sentences are to run concurrently.
The judgment marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s battle against domestic violence, sending a clear message that abuse—no matter how hidden—will be met with the full force of the law.
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