Late Osinachi’s husband sentenced to death for murder

Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late Nigerian gospel musician Osinachi Nwachukwu, has been sentenced to death by hanging.

The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja delivered the sentence. Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme announced the judgment on Monday. This followed the dismissal of Nwachukwu’s no-case submission.

Nwachukwu was found guilty of culpable homicide related to his wife's death on April 8, 2022. He was arraigned on June 3, 2022, facing a total of 23 charges. These included culpable homicide, spousal battery, cruelty to children, and criminal intimidation.

During the trial, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses. Among them were two of Osinachi's children. They also submitted 25 exhibits as evidence. The defense called four witnesses and presented four exhibits.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. Although Nwachukwu's lawyer requested leniency, he received a death sentence for Count 1. Additionally, he received prison sentences ranging from six months to three years for other counts and fines totaling N700,000.

Osinachi Nwachukwu gained fame in 2017 with her hit song “Ekwueme.” She died at age 42 in a hospital in Abuja on April 8. Peter Nwachukwu claimed she suffered from an undisclosed illness. However, family members alleged she died from injuries due to domestic abuse.

Her four children reported ongoing violence from their father and said he forced them to keep quiet about it. People who knew the couple described Peter as controlling over her finances and decisions.