Justice Delivered: Court Sentences Late Gospel Singer Osinachi’s Husband to Death by Hanging
In a landmark judgment that reverberates through Nigeria’s legal and entertainment circles, Justice Nwosu-Iheme of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, on Monday sentenced Peter Nwachukwu — husband of the late gospel music icon, Osinachi Nwachukwu — to death by hanging.
The court found Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide following an exhaustive trial that shone an unflinching light on domestic violence and its devastating consequences, especially within high-profile families.
Osinachi, whose soulful worship songs touched millions across Africa and beyond, tragically passed away on April 8, 2022. Initial reports of her death stunned fans and colleagues, but emerging allegations of sustained domestic abuse quickly shifted the public narrative from mourning to calls for justice.
The Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF), acting on behalf of the Federal Government, swiftly took up the case, arraigning Nwachukwu on June 3, 2022, on a 23-count charge. The charges ranged from culpable homicide punishable by death, spousal battery, criminal intimidation, to cruelty against children — painting a grim portrait of life behind the closed doors of the Nwachukwu household.
Throughout the proceedings, the prosecution marshaled 17 witnesses, including two of the couple’s children, whose harrowing testimonies provided damning insights into years of physical and emotional torment endured by the late singer. The prosecution also tendered 25 documentary exhibits that bolstered their case.
For his part, Nwachukwu mounted a defence with his own testimony, supported by four witnesses and four exhibits. However, Justice Nwosu-Iheme held that the prosecution had “proven the burden of proof placed upon it by law” beyond reasonable doubt.
In delivering the sentencing, the court condemned Nwachukwu to death by hanging on Count 1 (culpable homicide). Additionally, he received multiple prison terms: two years each on Counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18; six months on Count 10; and three years on Count 11. Financial penalties were also imposed: N500,000 and N200,000 fines on Counts 6 and 7, respectively.
While Nwachukwu’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, pleaded for leniency during allocutus, citing the convict’s personal circumstances, the prosecution, represented by Mrs. Aderonke Imala, urged the court to uphold the full force of the law — a plea the judge ultimately honoured.
Broader Implications for Nigerian Society
The conviction and sentencing of Peter Nwachukwu mark a significant moment in Nigeria’s fight against domestic violence. It underscores the judiciary’s increasing readiness to tackle cases involving high-profile individuals without fear or favour, sending a powerful deterrent message across society.
This case also raises urgent questions for the entertainment industry, where fame can sometimes mask personal suffering. Osinachi’s ordeal, tragically hidden behind her public persona, highlights the urgent need for stronger protective mechanisms for victims of domestic abuse — regardless of their status.
As Nigeria grapples with systemic issues of gender-based violence, the outcome of this case may well embolden more victims to come forward and seek justice. It is a sobering reminder that behind the music and ministry, real lives — and real tragedies — exist.
In death, Osinachi Nwachukwu’s voice continues to resonate — now as a symbol of the imperative for justice, accountability, and societal change.
