ABUJA, Nigeria – The widower of beloved Nigerian gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu has been sentenced to death by hanging, nearly three years after her tragic death.
Peter Nwachukwu, 54, was convicted of 23 charges, including culpable homicide, in connection with the untimely passing of his wife, a case that has rocked the nation and sparked widespread conversations about domestic violence.
Osinachi Nwachukwu, 42, whose powerful vocals made her a household name in the gospel music community, was initially reported to have died from throat cancer in April 2022.
However, her family later came forward with shocking allegations of sustained domestic abuse at the hands of her husband, leading to a deeper investigation.
The case, held at the High Court in Abuja, has captivated national attention, particularly due to Osinachi’s prominence in the music world, including her feature on the 2017 viral hit “Ekwueme,” which has garnered over 136 million views on YouTube.
The prosecution argued that Peter Nwachukwu’s actions led to his wife’s death, citing evidence of physical, verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse.
Over the course of the trial, 17 witnesses were called to testify, including two of the couple’s own children, who provided harrowing accounts of the abuse they had witnessed.
These testimonies played a pivotal role in securing the conviction.
Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme found Peter Nwachukwu guilty of all charges, affirming that the evidence presented by the prosecution left no room for doubt.
The judge emphasized that the evidence clearly demonstrated the abusive environment that Osinachi endured, ultimately leading to her death.
Despite his conviction, Peter Nwachukwu has denied all charges and is expected to file an appeal.
While the death sentence has been imposed, questions remain about its execution, as Nigeria’s authorities rarely carry out death penalties.
The sentencing has underscored the ongoing national debate about domestic violence and its devastating impact, particularly in high-profile cases like this one.
Osinachi Nwachukwu, who left behind four children, became a symbol of strength and resilience, even as her family’s painful loss continues to resonate with many Nigerians.
