Gospel Singer Osinachi’s Husband Sentenced to Death by Hanging

Gospel Singer Osinachi’s Husband Sentenced to Death by Hanging

Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of the late popular gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, has been sentenced to death by hanging. The judgment was delivered by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, on Monday.

Presiding judge, Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme, handed down the sentence after dismissing Nwachukwu’s no-case submission, finding him guilty of culpable homicide in connection with the tragic death of his wife on April 8, 2022.

Nwachukwu was first arraigned on June 3, 2022, on a 23-count charge brought against him by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. The charges included culpable homicide, spousal battery, cruelty to children and criminal intimidation.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by Mrs. Aderonke Imana, presented a strong case, calling 17 witnesses — among them two of the deceased singer’s children — and tendering 25 exhibits. On his part, the defendant testified in his own defense and produced four witnesses along with four exhibits to support his claims. However, Justice Nwosu-Iheme ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.

Despite appeals for leniency from his counsel, Reginald Nwali, the court imposed the ultimate penalty of death by hanging on Count 1. In addition to the death sentence, Nwachukwu received several other prison sentences ranging from six months to three years for additional offenses and was fined a total of N700,000.

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The case had faced several adjournments over time, with proceedings stalled at various points due to judicial delays, including the absence of the presiding judge on some occasions. Nevertheless, Monday’s ruling brings a decisive end to a trial that had attracted national attention.

Osinachi Nwachukwu, who passed away at the age of 42, rose to fame in 2017 following her powerful collaboration with Prospa Ochimana on the gospel hit “Ekwueme.” In the wake of her death, heartbreaking allegations surfaced, with family members, friends, and colleagues accusing Peter Nwachukwu of subjecting the singer to years of physical and emotional abuse, which ultimately led to her untimely demise.

Her death not only shocked the Nigerian gospel community but also sparked widespread discussions about domestic violence, especially within religious settings, highlighting the urgent need for increased advocacy and protection for victims of abuse.

With Monday’s judgment, many see justice finally served for Osinachi, whose voice and ministry touched countless lives.