Osinachi’s Husband Sentenced to Death by Hanging for Culpable Homicide
By IDNN Court Correspondent | April 29, 2025
ABUJA, NIGERIA — Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, has been sentenced to death by hanging by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja, after being found guilty of culpable homicide in connection with her death.
Delivering judgment on Monday at the Wuse Zone 2 court, Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, rejecting the no-case submission filed by Nwachukwu’s legal team.
Conviction and Sentencing
Nwachukwu was convicted on Count 1—culpable homicide—and sentenced to death by hanging. He also received additional sentences of six months to three years on multiple other counts and was ordered to pay a total fine of ₦700,000.
The defendant was first arraigned on June 3, 2022, following a 23-count charge brought by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. Charges included:
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Spousal battery
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Cruelty to children
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Criminal intimidation
Evidence and Witnesses
During the trial, the prosecution, led by Mrs. Aderonke Imana, called 17 witnesses, including two of the deceased’s children, and tendered 25 exhibits. In his defence, Peter Nwachukwu took the stand and presented four witnesses along with four exhibits.
Remembering Osinachi
Osinachi Nwachukwu passed away on April 8, 2022, at age 42. A celebrated gospel singer, she rose to national prominence with her feature on Prospa Ochimana’s 2017 hit “Ekwueme.”
Her sudden death shocked the country, with multiple colleagues and associates accusing her husband of subjecting her to prolonged domestic abuse, which they claimed ultimately led to her death.
Following widespread public outcry, Peter Nwachukwu was arrested and remanded in custody. Despite his legal team’s plea for leniency, the court held firm in delivering the capital sentence.
Broader Impact
This verdict sends a powerful message in a country where domestic abuse often goes unpunished. Legal analysts say the ruling could serve as a watershed moment for gender justice and accountability in Nigeria.
