The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, the late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu’s spouse, to death by hanging.
The ruling was issued on Monday by Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme, who had previously rejected Nwachukwu’s no-case submission.
The court found him guilty of culpable homicide in connection with the death of his wife on April 8, 2022.
Nwachukwu, who was arraigned on June 3, 2022, faced a 23-count charge filed 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 called 17 witnesses, including two of the deceased’s children, and tendered 25 exhibits.
The defendant testified in his defence and presented four additional witnesses and four exhibits.
In her judgment, Justice Nwosu-Iheme held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Following pleas for leniency from Nwachukwu’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, the court nevertheless sentenced him to death by hanging on Count 1.
He also received additional prison sentences ranging from six months to three years on several other counts and was fined a total of N700,000.
The prosecution was represented by Mrs Aderonke Imana.
Osinachi died on April 8, 2022, at the age of 42.
She came into the limelight in 2017 when she collaborated with Prospa Ochimana on the gospel hit song, Ekwueme.
Several coworkers accused her husband of domestic violence which is what resulted in her death.
