Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has ruled against Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, sentencing him to death by hanging.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme of a FCT High Court Wuse Zone 2 in Abuja delivered the judgment on Monday. The court found Peter Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide that led to the death of his wife, Osinachi, on April 8, 2022.
The judge noted that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. As a result, Nwachukwu was convicted and sentenced accordingly.
Peter Nwachukwu was first arraigned on June 3, 2022, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF), acting on behalf of the Federal Government. He faced a 23-count charge which included culpable homicide punishable by death, criminal intimidation, cruelty towards children, spousal battery, among others.
During the trial, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses, including two of the late singer’s children, who testified as the fourth and fifth prosecution witnesses (PW4 and PW5). Additionally, the prosecution submitted 25 documents as evidence to support its case against Nwachukwu.
In his defense, the convicted man testified on his own behalf and called four additional witnesses. He also submitted four exhibits to the court.
Before the sentencing, Nwachukwu’s lawyer, Reginald Nwali, pleaded with the court for leniency, asking for mercy on behalf of his client. However, the prosecution counsel, Mrs. Aderonke Imala, urged the court to apply the full strength of the law.
After considering both sides, Justice Nwosu-Iheme sentenced Peter Nwachukwu to death by hanging on Count 1. Furthermore, the court sentenced him to two years in prison each for Counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18. On Count 10, he received six months imprisonment, and on Count 11, three years imprisonment.
Additionally, the court imposed fines of N500,000 and N200,000 on Nwachukwu for Counts 6 and 7, respectively.
