Justice Nwosu-Iheme of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging.
The ruling was delivered today, April 28, after the court found Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide, leading to the death of his wife on April 8, 2022.
In her judgment, Justice Nwosu-Iheme affirmed that the prosecution had successfully discharged the burden of proof required by law, thereby establishing the defendant’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Peter Nwachukwu was initially arraigned on June 3, 2022, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) on a 23-count charge, including culpable homicide punishable by death, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, and spousal battery, among others.
During the trial, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses — including two of the late singer’s children — and tendered 25 documents as exhibits. In his defense, Nwachukwu testified personally, called four witnesses, and submitted four exhibits.
Prior to sentencing, Nwachukwu’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, pleaded for leniency. However, the prosecution, led by Mrs. Aderonke Imala, urged the court to uphold the full weight of the law.
Delivering her judgment, Justice Nwosu-Iheme sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging on Count 1 (culpable homicide).
Additionally, he received two years’ imprisonment each on Counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18, six months’ imprisonment on Count 10, and three years’ imprisonment on Count 11. He was also fined ₦500,000 and ₦200,000 respectively on Counts 6 and 7.