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By Lizzy Chirkpi
In a landmark domestic violence case, a High Court in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory has delivered a verdict against Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of the late gospel artist Osinachi Nwachukwu for culpable homicide, sentencing him to death by hanging. The judgment, delivered by Justice Nwosu-Iheme on Monday, concluded that the prosecution successfully proved beyond reasonable doubt that Nwachukwu was responsible for his wife’s death on April 8, 2022.
Osinachi’s tragic passing in April 2022 initially sparked reports of cancer as the cause. However, harrowing testimonies from family members, church associates, and neighbours painted a grim picture of sustained domestic abuse at the hands of her husband. Witnesses recounted instances of physical violence, including a kick to her chest before her death.
These revelations led to Peter Nwachukwu’s arrest and subsequent arraignment on June 3, 2022, by the Attorney-General of the Federation’s office.
He faced a 23-count charge encompassing culpable homicide (carrying a death penalty), criminal intimidation, child cruelty, spousal battery, and other related offenses.
During the protracted trial, the prosecution presented compelling evidence through 17 witnesses, notably Osinachi’s two children, who testified against their father. An additional 25 documentary exhibits were also submitted.
In his defense, Nwachukwu presented his testimony along with four witnesses and four exhibits.
Before the pronouncement of the sentence, Nwachukwu’s legal representative appealed for leniency. Conversely, the prosecuting counsel urged the court to uphold the full force of the law.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme ultimately delivered a death sentence by hanging on the primary charge of culpable homicide (Count 1). For the remaining charges, Nwachukwu received varying custodial sentences, including multiple two-year imprisonment terms, a six-month term on one count, and fines of N500,000 and N200,000 on other counts. This verdict marks a significant point in a case that brought the issue of domestic violence into sharp focus.