From Godwin Tsa, Abuja

The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel singer Osinachi, to death by hanging after pronouncing him guilty of culpable homicide of his wife, who died on April 8, 2022.

In her judgment on Monday, Justice Nwosu-Iheme sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging for the first count of culpable homicide.

The convict was equally sentenced to two years imprisonment for counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18.

While in count 10, Nwachukwu was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment and three years imprisonment for count 11.

The judge further imposed fines of N500,000 and N200,000 for counts 6 and 7, respectively.

Nwachukwu was arraigned on June 3, 2022, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) on behalf of the Federal Government.

He faced a 23-count charge, including culpable homicide, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, spousal battery, and other related offences.

The charges stemmed from allegations of prolonged abuse that culminated in Osinachi’s death, a case that sparked widespread outrage and renewed calls for justice in cases of domestic violence.

Despite a plea for leniency from Nwachukwu’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, the prosecution urged the court to deliver justice in line with the severity of the offences.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme, after a thorough review of the evidence, ruled that the prosecution had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt, meeting the legal burden required for a homicide conviction.

The sentences reflect the court’s commitment to addressing the gravity of the offences, which included not only the homicide but also sustained abuse and cruelty.

Osinachi, renowned for her soul-stirring gospel music, including the hit song ‘Ekwueme’, was a beloved figure in Nigeria.

Her death at the age of 42, allegedly due to injuries sustained from domestic violence, led to an outpouring of grief and demands for accountability.

The case has been closely followed, with many viewing the verdict as a step toward justice for victims of domestic abuse.