In a powerful moment of justice, the 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.
The long-awaited ruling brings a measure of closure to a case that captured national attention and ignited widespread outrage over domestic abuse in Nigeria.
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Presiding over the case, Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme delivered the judgment on Monday, firmly rejecting Nwachukwu’s no-case submission. The court found him guilty of culpable homicide, holding him responsible for the death of his wife, which occurred on 8 April 2022.
Nwachukwu was originally arraigned on 3 June 2022 on a 23-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. The charges ranged from culpable homicide to spousal battery, cruelty to children, and criminal intimidation.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses, including two of the couple’s children, and tendered 25 exhibits to establish the case. Meanwhile, Nwachukwu took to the stand in his own defence, calling four additional witnesses and presenting four exhibits.
In her ruling, Justice Nwosu-Iheme declared that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Despite a plea for leniency by Nwachukwu’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, the judge sentenced him to death by hanging on Count 1, the most serious of the charges.
In addition, Nwachukwu received several prison terms ranging from six months to three years for other offences and was fined a total of ₦700,000.
The Life and Legacy of Osinachi Nwachukwu
Osinachi Nwachukwu was a beloved gospel singer who captured hearts across Nigeria and beyond with her soul-stirring voice. She rose to national fame in 2017 through her collaboration with gospel artist Prospa Ochimana on the hit song Ekwueme.
However, behind the powerful worship anthems lay a deeply troubled personal life. Following her death, multiple reports emerged alleging that Osinachi had suffered years of domestic abuse at the hands of her husband.
Colleagues, family members, and close friends accused Peter Nwachukwu of being violently abusive towards her, claims which have now been substantiated in a court of law.
Her death sparked national outrage and brought renewed focus to the issue of domestic violence in Nigeria. Many activists and concerned citizens called for better protection for victims and stricter enforcement of laws against abusers (learn more about Nigeria’s domestic violence laws).
The sentencing of Peter Nwachukwu is seen as a landmark victory for human rights advocates who have long called for stronger measures against domestic violence perpetrators.
Legal experts believe the case sets a strong precedent, showing that the judiciary will no longer tolerate excuses for abuse, particularly when it results in tragic loss of life.
Domestic violence remains a pervasive problem in Nigeria. According to a World Health Organisation report, one in three women worldwide has experienced physical or sexual violence, and Nigeria reflects similar troubling statistics.
A Nation Remembers
Osinachi’s voice continues to inspire millions, even in death. Her tragic story has sparked conversations across Nigeria about the silent suffering many victims endure behind closed doors.
As the court’s decision resonates throughout the country, it serves as both a tribute to her memory and a clarion call for justice for all victims of domestic violence.
