The Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging.
Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme ruled on Monday, dismissing Nwachukwu’s no-case submission.
The court convicted him of culpable homicide in connection with his wife’s death on April 8, 2022.
On June 3, 2022, Nwachukwu was arraigned on a 23-count charge issued by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation.
Culpable homicide, spouse abuse, child abuse, and criminal intimidation were among the charges.
The prosecution presented 25 exhibits and called 17 witnesses, including two of the deceased’s children, during the trial.
In his defence testimony, the defendant produced four more witnesses and four exhibits.
Judge Nwosu-Iheme concluded in her ruling that the prosecution had established its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Nwachukwu was condemned to death by hanging on Count 1 despite Reginald Nwali, his attorney, pleading for compassion.
In addition, Osinachi’s was fined ₦700,000 and given additional prison terms ranging from six months to three years on a number of other charges.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme concluded that the prosecution had established its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Despite pleas for clemency from Nwachukwu’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, the court sentenced him to death by hanging on Count 1.
He also received additional prison sentences ranging from six months to three years for many other crimes, as well as a total fine of N700,000.
Mrs Aderonke Imana represented the prosecution.
Osinachi died on April 8, 2022, at the age of 42.
She rose to prominence in 2017 after collaborating with Prospa Ochimana on the gospel hit song “Ekwueme“.
After her death, some colleagues accused her husband of subjecting her to domestic violence, which caused her death.
