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Post Reply: Court Sentences Peter Nwachukwu to Death for Murder of Gospel Singer Osinachi

<blockquote><div class="quotetitle">Quote from <a class="profile-link highlight-moderator" href="https://lawguide.co.ke/understanding-law/legal-forum/profile/lawyer/">Lawyer</a> on April 29, 2025, 12:45 pm</div><div id="pl-5147"  class="panel-layout" ><div id="pg-5147-0"  class="panel-grid panel-no-style" ><div id="pgc-5147-0-0"  class="panel-grid-cell"  data-weight="1" ><div id="panel-5147-0-0-0" class="so-panel widget widget_sow-editor panel-first-child panel-last-child" data-index="0" data-style="{&quot;background_image_attachment&quot;:false,&quot;background_display&quot;:&quot;tile&quot;,&quot;background_image_size&quot;:&quot;full&quot;,&quot;background_image_opacity&quot;:&quot;100&quot;,&quot;border_thickness&quot;:&quot;1px&quot;}" ><div
			
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	<p dir="ltr" data-pm-slice="1 1 []">In a landmark ruling, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, the widower of renowned Nigerian gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging for the culpable homicide of his wife. The judgment, delivered on April 28, 2025, by Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme, marks the conclusion of a highly publicized trial that has gripped the nation and reignited discussions on domestic violence.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Osinachi, celebrated for her soul-stirring hit "Ekwueme," passed away on April 8, 2022, at the age of 42. Initially, her death was attributed to throat cancer, but subsequent revelations from family, friends, and colleagues painted a harrowing picture of prolonged physical, emotional, and psychological abuse at the hands of her husband. Testimonies alleged that Nwachukwu subjected Osinachi to years of brutal assaults, including a severe incident where he reportedly kicked her in the chest, leading to her hospitalization and eventual death.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The trial, which began on June 3, 2022, saw Nwachukwu arraigned on a 23-count charge by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. The charges included culpable homicide punishable by death, spousal battery, cruelty to children, and criminal intimidation. The prosecution, led by Mrs. Aderonke Imala, presented a compelling case, calling 17 witnesses, including two of Osinachi’s children, who provided emotional testimony against their father. The prosecution also submitted 25 documentary exhibits to substantiate the allegations.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Nwachukwu, in his defense, testified and called four additional witnesses, presenting four exhibits. His counsel, Reginald Nwali, pleaded for leniency before sentencing, but the prosecution urged the court to uphold the full weight of the law. Justice Nwosu-Iheme ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, finding Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide for causing Osinachi’s death through sustained abuse.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The court’s sentencing was comprehensive. On the primary charge of culpable homicide (Count 1), Nwachukwu was sentenced to death by hanging. Additionally, he received two-year imprisonment terms for each of Counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18, which included charges of spousal abuse and criminal intimidation. He was sentenced to six months for Count 10, three years for Count 11, and fined N500,000 and N200,000 for Counts 6 and 7, respectively.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The verdict has been hailed as a significant step in Nigeria’s fight against gender-based violence. Activists and rights groups have praised the ruling as a victory for justice, not only for Osinachi but for countless victims of domestic abuse who suffer in silence. The case has underscored the need for stronger legal protections and faster judicial processes for survivors of abuse, with many calling for systemic reforms to prevent similar tragedies.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Osinachi’s death sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s gospel music community and beyond, sparking nationwide outrage and tributes to her legacy. A lead singer at the Dunamis International Gospel Centre, she rose to prominence in 2017 with "Ekwueme," a collaboration with Prospa Ochimana that became a worship anthem across Africa. Her music touched millions, and her story has now become a rallying cry for justice.</p>
<p dir="ltr">While Nwachukwu retains the right to appeal the sentence, the judgment stands unless overturned by a higher court. For now, the ruling serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of domestic violence and the judiciary’s role in holding perpetrators accountable.</p>
<p dir="ltr">The case has also highlighted the courage of Osinachi’s children and witnesses who came forward, ensuring her story was told. As Nigeria reflects on this tragedy, the hope is that Osinachi’s legacy will inspire change, protecting others from the horrors she endured.</p>
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