Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Wuse Zone 2, has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of culpable homicide leading to her death on April 8, 2022.

Delivering judgment, Justice Nwosu-Iheme ruled that the prosecution team, led by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. Nwachukwu was convicted on Count 1 and received the death sentence, while also facing several other sentences: two years each on Counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18; six months on Count 10; and three years on Count 11. He was additionally fined ₦500,000 and ₦200,000 on Counts 6 and 7 respectively.

Nwachukwu, who was arraigned on June 3, 2022, faced a 23-count charge including spousal abuse, child cruelty, and criminal intimidation. During the trial, the prosecution called 17 witnesses, among them two of the deceased’s children, and tendered 25 exhibits. The defence called five witnesses, including the defendant himself, and tendered four exhibits.

Late Osinachi Nwachukwu, widely known for her powerful gospel track “Ekwueme,” died at 42, with her death sparking nationwide outrage and calls for justice. Many Nigerians accused her husband of subjecting her to years of domestic abuse, a claim later supported by testimonies during the trial.

Nwachukwu’s lawyer, Reginald Nwali, pleaded for leniency before sentencing, but the prosecution, represented by Mrs. Aderonke Imana, urged the court to fully apply the law.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme emphasized that the judgment should serve as a stern warning against all forms of domestic violence, affirming that the court stands firmly in defense of the vulnerable.