By Omowumi Omotoso
Justice Nwosu-Iheme of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, on Monday, delivered a death sentence by hanging to Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel artist, Osinachi.
The court found Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide in connection with Osinachi’s death, which occurred on April 8, 2022.
In her ruling, Justice Nwosu-Iheme stated that the prosecution had successfully met the legal burden of proof and established Nwachukwu’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
The defendant was first arraigned on June 3, 2022, following a 23-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, representing the Federal Government. The charges ranged from culpable homicide, spousal battery, child cruelty, to criminal intimidation, 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, 25 documentary exhibits were admitted into evidence.
Nwachukwu, in his defense, testified personally and called four additional witnesses while submitting four exhibits to support his case.
Before sentencing, Nwachukwu’s lawyer, Reginald Nwali, appealed for leniency, while the prosecution counsel, Mrs. Aderonke Imala, urged the court to enforce the law firmly.
Ultimately, Justice Nwosu-Iheme sentenced Peter Nwachukwu to death by hanging on Count 1. On Counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18, he received two years imprisonment each. He was also handed six months imprisonment on Count 10, three years on Count 11, and fined ₦500,000 and ₦200,000 on Counts 6 and 7 respectively.
