Malik Yahya/
A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging.
Delivering judgment, Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme found Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide, ruling that the prosecution had successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. Osinachi, whose death on April 8, 2022, drew widespread outrage over allegations of domestic violence, became the central figure in a closely watched legal battle.
Nwachukwu was arraigned on June 3, 2022, on a 23-count charge including culpable homicide, domestic violence, cruelty to children, and criminal intimidation, filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF).
During the trial, the prosecution called 17 witnesses — among them two of the deceased’s children (PW4 and PW5) — and tendered 25 documentary exhibits. In his defence, Nwachukwu testified personally and presented four additional witnesses, along with four defence exhibits.
Ahead of sentencing, Nwachukwu’s lawyer, Reginald Nwali, pleaded for leniency, while the prosecuting counsel, Mrs. Aderonke Imana, urged the court to impose the maximum penalty.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme consequently sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging on count one. She also imposed two years’ imprisonment each for counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18; six months’ imprisonment on count 10; and three years’ imprisonment on count 11. Additionally, Nwachukwu was fined ₦500,000 and ₦200,000 on counts 6 and 7 respectively.
The ruling marks a significant conclusion to a case that highlighted the grave consequences of domestic abuse in Nigeria.
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