Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late gospel artist Osinachi Nwachukwu, has been sentenced to death by hanging by the Federal Capital Territory High Court, sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja.
Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme delivered the ruling on Monday, dismissing Nwachukwu’s no-case submission and finding him guilty of culpable homicide over the death of his wife on April 8, 2022.
Nwachukwu was arraigned on June 3, 2022, facing a 23-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. The charges included culpable homicide, spousal abuse, cruelty to children, and criminal intimidation.
During the trial, the prosecution called 17 witnesses—including two of the deceased’s children—and presented 25 exhibits. Nwachukwu, in his defense, testified personally, called four witnesses, and tendered four exhibits.
In her judgment, Justice Nwosu-Iheme concluded that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Despite a plea for leniency by Nwachukwu’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, the court sentenced him to death by hanging on Count 1. He also received various prison terms ranging from six months to three years on other charges, along with a fine totaling ₦700,000.
The prosecution was led by Mrs. Aderonke Imana.
Osinachi Nwachukwu died at the age of 42. She rose to prominence in 2017 through her collaboration with Prospa Ochimana on the gospel hit song Ekwueme. After her death, many colleagues accused her husband of long-term domestic abuse, alleging it contributed to her passing.
