The husband of the late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, Peter Nwachukwu, was on Monday sentenced to death by hanging by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja.
This judgement delivered by Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme came after a lengthy trial where Nwachukwu was found guilty of causing his wife’s death on April 8, 2022.
The court rejected a submission by Nwachukwu’s defense that there was no case to answer.
The prosecution, led by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, successfully proved their case, showing that Nwachukwu was responsible for the death of his wife.
Nwachukwu had faced multiple charges, including culpable homicide, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, and spousal abuse.
He was first arraigned in June 2022. During the trial, the prosecution presented testimonies from 17 witnesses, including Osinachi’s children.
The defense also called witnesses and submitted exhibits in Nwachukwu’s favoir.
Before the court delivered its judgment, Nwachukwu’s lawyer, Reginald Nwali pleaded for leniency.
However, the prosecution, Aderonke Imala urged the court to enforce the law strictly.
In addition to the death sentence, Nwachukwu was given various prison terms and fines for additional charges, including two years in prison on several counts and fines for others.