The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Wuse Zone 2, has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late Nigerian gospel singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging.
The judgment, delivered on Monday by Justice Nwosu-Iheme, followed the court’s finding that the prosecution had successfully proved beyond reasonable doubt that Nwachukwu was responsible for his wife’s death.
Before the sentencing, Nwachukwu’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, pleaded for mercy. However, the prosecuting counsel, Mrs. Aderonke Imana, urged the court to uphold the law and ensure justice was served.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging on the primary charge. On several other counts, the court handed down varying sentences, including two years’ imprisonment, six months’ imprisonment, and fines of N500,000 and N200,000.
The tragic case first came to public attention in April 2022 when reports emerged that Osinachi had died, allegedly due to complications from domestic abuse inflicted by her husband. Although initial reports suggested cancer as the cause of death, testimonies from family members, church associates, and neighbours revealed a history of sustained domestic violence.
Following widespread public outrage, Nwachukwu was arrested and arraigned on June 3, 2022, by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation (OAGF). He faced a 23-count charge, including culpable homicide (punishable by death), domestic violence, cruelty to children, spousal battery, and other related offences.
The ruling marks a significant conclusion to a case that sparked national conversations about domestic abuse and the urgent need for better protection of victims.
