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

In a landmark judgment that has sent ripples across Nigeria and beyond, the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late celebrated gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging. The judgment was delivered on Monday, April 28, 2025, by Justice Nwosu-Iheme, marking a dramatic conclusion to a case that has gripped national attention for over three years.

The ruling was issued after the court found Peter Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide, a charge that carries the maximum penalty of death under Nigerian law. His conviction stems from the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of his wife, Osinachi, on April 8, 2022, in Abuja.

Osinachi Nwachukwu was a household name across Nigeria and much of Africa, revered for her powerful, spirit-lifting vocals and her collaborations on numerous gospel hits, including the globally acclaimed Ekwueme. Her death at just 42 years old shocked millions, initially believed to have been caused by throat cancer.

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However, as the days unfolded, a more sinister narrative emerged. Family members, friends, church colleagues, and neighbors began to come forward with harrowing accounts of a long history of domestic violence suffered at the hands of her husband, Peter Nwachukwu.

Accounts revealed that Osinachi lived much of her married life under fear and abuse. Witnesses told chilling stories of beatings, financial control, psychological manipulation, and isolation. It became apparent that the outward image of a happy Christian home was a façade, masking years of torment.

Most notably, one of her close confidants recounted that shortly before her death, Peter had allegedly kicked her violently in the chest during a domestic altercation. This brutal assault reportedly led to complications that precipitated her death.

The tragedy triggered widespread outrage across Nigeria, igniting conversations on domestic violence, especially within religious communities where women are often counseled to “endure” abusive marriages for the sake of appearances or faith.

Following public outcry, the Nigerian Police swiftly arrested Peter Nwachukwu, and after preliminary investigations, he was formally charged by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF).

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On June 3, 2022, Peter was arraigned before the FCT High Court on a 23-count charge. The charges included:

• Culpable homicide (punishable by death)
• Emotional and psychological abuse
• Criminal intimidation
• Cruelty to children
• Spousal battery
• Intentional infliction of physical injury

Throughout the trial, the prosecution, led by Mrs. Aderonke Imala, painstakingly built its case, presenting 17 witnesses. These included Osinachi’s two children, her twin sister, medical professionals, church members, and neighbors. They testified to years of systematic abuse.

One of Osinachi’s sons testified that he had witnessed his father slap, punch, and verbally abuse his mother numerous times. The testimonies painted a harrowing portrait of life within the Nwachukwu household.

Adding to the damning evidence were 25 exhibits, including medical reports, police investigation records, and video evidence showing injuries Osinachi allegedly sustained.

Peter Nwachukwu, for his part, took the stand in his own defense. He called four witnesses, including two family members and two neighbors, who attempted to portray the marriage as normal and his actions as misunderstood. He also presented four exhibits in support of his claims, including love notes exchanged between him and Osinachi during better times.

Despite the defense’s efforts, the weight of evidence against Peter proved overwhelming.

In a courtroom packed with reporters, activists, church leaders, and sympathizers, Justice Nwosu-Iheme delivered a ruling that lasted nearly two hours.

The judge held that the prosecution had “discharged the burden of proof placed upon it by law,” leaving no reasonable doubt that Peter Nwachukwu’s actions directly led to the death of his wife.

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“For Count One — culpable homicide — the court finds the defendant guilty. Accordingly, the defendant, Peter Nwachukwu, is sentenced to death by hanging,” Justice Nwosu-Iheme declared.

The court also handed down lesser sentences for the other charges:

• Two years imprisonment for criminal intimidation
• Six months imprisonment for cruelty to children
• Fines of N500,000 and N200,000 for specific counts relating to domestic abuse

The sentences were ordered to run concurrently, meaning Peter’s ultimate fate rests on the death penalty ruling.

Before sentencing, defense counsel Reginald Nwali had pleaded for leniency, urging the court to consider the defendant’s status as a first-time offender and father of four young children. However, the prosecution countered that mercy should be balanced against the severity and longstanding nature of the abuse.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme agreed with the prosecution, emphasizing that domestic violence must no longer be treated with kid gloves in Nigeria.

The judgment has triggered a cascade of reactions across Nigeria’s social and religious landscape.

At the Unity Fountain in Abuja, a candlelight procession was organized immediately following the ruling. Hundreds gathered, singing hymns and waving banners bearing Osinachi’s image. Many hailed the judgment as a watershed moment for women’s rights in Nigeria.

“This verdict shows that no abuser, no matter how religious they pretend to be, will escape justice,” said Rita Ekwueme, a domestic violence activist.

On social media, hashtags like #JusticeForOsinachi and #EndDomesticViolence trended within hours. Prominent celebrities, human rights organizations, and clergy members issued statements of solidarity with victims of abuse.

However, there were pockets of dissent, mainly from some conservative Christian groups who argued that Peter’s death sentence was too harsh. Some expressed concern about the welfare of the couple’s four children, now effectively orphaned.

Osinachi’s case has reignited urgent conversations around domestic violence in Nigeria, particularly in religious communities where silence and endurance are often preached as virtues.

Data from the National Human Rights Commission shows a troubling increase in domestic violence cases in recent years, yet convictions remain rare. Cultural stigma, fear of shame, financial dependency, and weak law enforcement often discourage victims from speaking out or seeking help.

Activists are using this case to push for stronger legislative reforms, including the full implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP Act) of 2015, which criminalizes domestic violence, emotional abuse, and economic exploitation.

“Osinachi’s death should not be in vain. It must spark a revolution of consciousness,” said Mrs. Josephine Obatayo of the Women Advocacy Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC).

Churches, too, are grappling with their role. Some denominations have issued public apologies for past counsel that encouraged victims to “pray harder” or “submit more” instead of seeking help.

Amidst the judicial victory, attention has shifted to Osinachi’s four young children, whose lives have been upended by the tragedy. Reports indicate that they are currently under the care of Osinachi’s sister and are receiving counseling.

Many are advocating for a trust fund to be established to secure their education and welfare, given that both parents are now effectively absent.

“Justice for Osinachi is good, but the true healing must include protecting her children,” said a statement from the NGO Save the Girl Child Initiative.

International media, including BBC, CNN, and Al Jazeera, covered the ruling extensively. Many outlets highlighted the cultural and systemic challenges that contribute to domestic violence in African societies.

Global human rights organizations like Amnesty International have also weighed in, calling for continued vigilance to ensure that victims of domestic violence receive the protection and justice they deserve.

“Nigeria has set an important precedent today,” Amnesty said in a statement. “Now, the focus must turn to building a society where no woman’s life is lost to domestic abuse.”

Under Nigerian law, Peter Nwachukwu has the right to appeal the judgment to the Court of Appeal and ultimately to the Supreme Court. His legal team has indicated that they will pursue this course, arguing that the trial court erred in both law and fact.

However, legal experts say overturning the conviction will be extremely difficult given the robust evidence presented and the seriousness of the crime.

Meanwhile, Peter remains in solitary confinement, awaiting formal execution procedures — a grim future for a man once married to one of Nigeria’s brightest gospel stars.

The story of Osinachi Nwachukwu is one of soaring triumphs and crushing tragedies. In life, she inspired millions with her anointed voice; in death, she has galvanized a nation to confront one of its darkest societal evils.

While her loss is immeasurable, the legacy she leaves behind may yet save countless others trapped in cycles of abuse and silence.

As Nigeria reckons with the verdict, one thing is clear: Osinachi’s voice, silenced in her home, now echoes louder than ever across a nation awakening to the urgent need for justice, compassion, and change.