Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late gospel artist Osinachi Nwachukwu, has been sentenced to death by hanging after being found guilty of her murder by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
The verdict was delivered on Monday by Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme, who ruled that the prosecution had proven beyond a reasonable doubt that Nwachukwu was responsible for the death of his wife, which occurred on April 8, 2022.
Nwachukwu, who was first arraigned on June 3, 2022, faced a 23-count charge brought against him by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. These included charges of culpable homicide, spousal abuse, child cruelty, and criminal intimidation.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses including two of the couple’s children and submitted 25 exhibits in evidence. In response, the defendant testified in his own defense, bringing forward four witnesses and four supporting exhibits.
In spite of appeals for mercy by his counsel, Reginald Nwali, the court sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging on the count of culpable homicide. He was also handed additional prison terms ranging from six months to three years on other charges, along with a fine totaling N700,000.
Prosecuting counsel, Mrs. Aderonke Imana, led the government’s case against the defendant.
Osinachi Nwachukwu rose to fame in 2017 after her powerful performance on the hit gospel song “Ekwueme” with Prospa Ochimana. Following her death, numerous colleagues and family members alleged she had been a long-time victim of domestic violence.
Peter Nwachukwu was arrested shortly after her passing, prompting a nationwide outcry and demands for justice.
Source: Punch
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