The long-awaited verdict on the death of beloved gospel artist Osinachi Nwachukwu echoed through the FCT High Court, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja. Her husband, Peter Nwachukwu, was found guilty of her death and sentenced to death by hanging.
The court found Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide leading to Osinachi’s tragic death on April 8, 2022. In a gripping verdict, Justice Nwosu-Iheme declared that the prosecution had successfully discharged the burden of proof, holding Nwachukwu responsible for the fatal abuse.
Nwachukwu was first arraigned on June 3, 2022, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF), facing a 23-count charge ranging from culpable homicide, spousal battery, criminal intimidation, to child cruelty.
During the trial, the prosecution presented a damning case, calling 17 witnesses, including two of the couple’s children, who served as the fourth and fifth prosecution witnesses (PW4 and PW5). Alongside witness testimonies, 25 documentary exhibits were tendered before the court.
In his defense, Nwachukwu testified personally and called four additional witnesses, submitting four exhibits. His lawyer, Reginald Nwali, passionately pleaded for leniency during the sentencing hearing. However, prosecution counsel, Mrs. Aderonke Imala, urged the court to apply the full weight of the law.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme upheld the prosecution’s position, sentencing Nwachukwu to:
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Death by hanging on Count 1 (culpable homicide),
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Two years imprisonment each for Counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18,
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Six months imprisonment on Count 10,
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Three years imprisonment on Count 11,
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Monetary fines of ₦500,000 and ₦200,000 for Counts 6 and 7, respectively.
The judgment sends a strong message against domestic violence and abuse, bringing a tragic chapter to a legal close while signaling justice for Osinachi and countless other silent victims.
