Gospel singer Osinachi’s husband sentenced to death by hanging

Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, has been sentenced to death by hanging by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja.

The verdict was delivered on Monday by Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme, who dismissed Nwachukwu’s no-case submission and found him guilty of culpable homicide in connection with his wife’s death on April 8, 2022.

Nwachukwu, arraigned on June 3, 2022, faced a 23-count charge brought by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. The charges included culpable homicide, spousal abuse, child cruelty, and criminal intimidation.

During the trial, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses—including two of the deceased’s children—and submitted 25 exhibits. In his defense, Nwachukwu testified, called four witnesses, and presented four exhibits.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Despite appeals for mercy from his lawyer, Reginald Nwali, the court sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging on Count 1. He also received several additional prison sentences ranging from six months to three years and fines totaling N700,000.

The prosecution was led by Mrs. Aderonke Imana.

Osinachi Nwachukwu, who rose to fame in 2017 through her collaboration with Prospa Ochimana on the gospel hit “Ekwueme,” died at the age of 42. After her passing, multiple colleagues accused her husband of long-term domestic abuse, which was believed to have contributed to her death. He was later arrested and charged.