Court Sentences Late Gospel Singer Osinachi’s Husband to Death by Hanging

Abuja, Nigeria — Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late Nigerian gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, has been sentenced to death by hanging by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Wuse Zone 2, Abuja. Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme delivered the verdict on Monday, April 28, 2025, after finding Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide in connection with his wife's death on April 8, 2022 .

Initially reported to have died from throat cancer, Osinachi's death was later attributed to domestic violence following testimonies from family members, church associates, and neighbors. Witnesses revealed that Nwachukwu had physically assaulted his wife, including an incident where he allegedly kicked her in the chest, leading to her hospitalization and subsequent death .

The prosecution, led by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, presented 17 witnesses, including the couple's two children, and submitted 25 documents as evidence. Nwachukwu, in his defense, called four witnesses and tendered four exhibits. Despite his plea of not guilty, the court found the evidence against him overwhelming.

In addition to the death sentence for culpable homicide, Nwachukwu received varying sentences for other charges, including two years imprisonment on several counts, six months on one count, and fines totaling N700,000 .

This landmark judgment has been hailed by many as a significant step in the fight against domestic violence in Nigeria, sending a strong message about the consequences of spousal abuse.