In a landmark judgment that gripped the nation, Justice Nwosu-Iheme of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel music icon Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging on Monday, April 28, 2025.
Homicide Conviction in the Death of Osinachi Nwachukwu
Peter Nwachukwu was convicted of culpable homicide in connection with the tragic death of his wife on April 8, 2022. The court found that the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) successfully established the burden of proof required under Nigerian criminal law.
Osinachi, known for her powerful vocals in the hit song “Ekwueme”, died under suspicious circumstances, sparking widespread outrage.
Details of the Court Proceedings
23 Charges Filed Against Nwachukwu
Nwachukwu was arraigned on June 3, 2022, on a 23-count charge that included
- Culpable homicide
- Spousal battery
- Criminal intimidation
- Cruelty to children
The prosecution, led by Mrs. Aderonke Imala, called 17 witnesses, including two of Osinachi’s children, who testified as PW4 and PW5. Additionally, the prosecution submitted 25 documentary exhibits.
Defense Witnesses and Plea for Leniency
The defendant, who testified in his own defense, also brought forward four witnesses and submitted four exhibits. His lawyer, Reginald Nwali, appealed to the court for leniency before sentencing.
However, the court maintained its stance, emphasizing the need for justice and deterrence in cases involving domestic violence and fatal spousal abuse.
Sentencing Breakdown
Justice Nwosu-Iheme handed down the following punishments:
- Death by hanging on Count 1 (culpable homicide)
- 2 years’ imprisonment each on Counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18
- 6 months’ imprisonment on Count 10
- 3 years’ imprisonment on Count 11
- Fines of ₦500,000 and ₦200,000 on Counts 6 and 7, respectively
This judgment marks one of Nigeria’s most high-profile domestic violence convictions, setting a precedent for future legal action.
Public Reaction and Legal Implications
The ruling has drawn widespread support from human rights groups and women’s advocacy organizations, who have long campaigned for stronger enforcement against gender-based violence.
Organizations like WARDC and Stand to End Rape (STER) have applauded the court’s judgment as a critical step toward justice and accountability in abusive marriages.
The tragic death of Osinachi Nwachukwu not only robbed Nigeria of a beloved gospel voice but also sparked a much-needed conversation around domestic abuse and legal protections for women. The conviction of Peter Nwachukwu is more than a sentence — it is a message that abuse will no longer be ignored or tolerated in any form.