Shocking End: Osinachi's Husband Sentenced to Death by Hanging After Emotional Courtroom Drama

In a ruling that has sent shockwaves across the country, Justice Nwosu-Iheme of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, today, April 28, 2025, sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late gospel sensation Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging. The judgment came nearly three years after the tragic death of the beloved singer, whose powerful voice had inspired millions but whose silent battles at home remained hidden until it was too late.

The court found Peter Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide, firmly establishing that his actions led to the death of the celebrated singer on April 8, 2022. In delivering the judgment, Justice Nwosu-Iheme declared that the prosecution had successfully proven the burden of proof required under the law, leaving no room for doubt regarding the defendant’s culpability. The chilling verdict marked the end of a high-profile trial that gripped the nation’s attention and reignited conversations about domestic violence and its often hidden but devastating consequences.

Nwachukwu was first arraigned before the court on June 3, 2022, on a 23-count charge brought against him by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) on behalf of the Federal Government. The charges ranged from culpable homicide punishable by death, spousal battery, cruelty to children, criminal intimidation, and several others, painting a grim picture of a man whose home life was allegedly marked by violence, fear, and intimidation.

Throughout the trial, the prosecution team painstakingly built their case, presenting a total of seventeen witnesses, including two of Osinachi's children who bravely testified as the fourth and fifth prosecution witnesses (PW4 and PW5). Their heart-wrenching testimonies detailed the torment their mother endured, offering the court a chilling glimpse into the private nightmare that unfolded behind closed doors. The prosecution also tendered twenty-five exhibits, ranging from medical records to police reports, as evidence of Nwachukwu’s pattern of abuse and violent control.

In his defense, Peter Nwachukwu took the stand and called four witnesses, submitting four exhibits in an attempt to refute the damning allegations. However, his efforts did little to sway the court. In a desperate final move before sentencing, Nwachukwu’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, pleaded passionately for leniency, urging the court to temper justice with mercy. But the prosecution, led by Mrs. Aderonke Imala, insisted that the full weight of the law must prevail, arguing that justice for Osinachi—and for victims of domestic violence everywhere—required no less.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme, unwavering, delivered a heavy blow: Peter Nwachukwu was sentenced to death by hanging on Count 1, culpable homicide. Additionally, he received multiple prison sentences on other counts—two years each on Counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18; six months imprisonment on Count 10; and three years imprisonment on Count 11. He was also fined N500,000 and N200,000 on Counts 6 and 7 respectively, sealing a grim chapter in a saga that began with a simple report of a sudden death and spiraled into a public reckoning over domestic abuse.

As news of the verdict spread, social media erupted with reactions. Many Nigerians hailed the judgment as long-overdue justice, particularly for victims of domestic violence who often suffer in silence. "Justice served!" one commenter declared. Another added, "Stop beating your wife, you won’t hear. You think it’s a show of strength. Now see where it has landed you." Yet, the judgment was not without its critics. Some expressed concern that the death penalty was too harsh, suggesting a life sentence would have been more appropriate, especially for the sake of the couple’s children, who now face a future without either parent.

Others raised questions about the evidential basis for the ruling, pointing out that Osinachi’s death was initially attributed to a medical condition, sparking debate over whether there was sufficient proof to link Nwachukwu’s alleged abuse directly to her demise. "This is a sentimental judgment," one skeptical commenter wrote. "The wife died of a medical condition, not because he killed her. This judgment should be appealed."

Nevertheless, the overwhelming mood was one of grim satisfaction. For many, Peter Nwachukwu's sentencing represents a powerful statement against domestic violence in a country where cultural and societal pressures often silence victims. The tragedy of Osinachi’s death, compounded by the chilling revelations that followed, served as a painful reminder that not even fame, faith, or talent can shield one from abuse within the home.

Peter Nwachukwu’s story is a sobering cautionary tale. Once a respected figure in Christian music circles, he now faces the ultimate punishment, a stark fall from grace that will forever be linked with one of Nigeria’s most heartbreaking celebrity deaths. His sentencing also places fresh pressure on Nigeria’s justice system to address issues of domestic violence more swiftly and decisively, as many advocates call for tougher laws and better support structures for victims.

Meanwhile, the memory of Osinachi lives on. Fans continue to celebrate her music and her spirit, even as they mourn the life cut tragically short. Songs like "Ekwueme," which first brought her to widespread fame, now carry an even deeper resonance, touching hearts not just for their spiritual power but also for the pain and courage that Osinachi embodied.

As the nation reflects on today's verdict, attention turns to what happens next. Legal experts suggest that Nwachukwu is almost certain to appeal the judgment, potentially dragging the case through more years of litigation. But for now, Justice Nwosu-Iheme’s gavel has fallen, delivering a message that, perhaps, will echo far beyond one man’s fate: violence behind closed doors is no less real, no less devastating, and no less punishable than violence committed in the open.

Peter Nwachukwu’s fate now lies sealed unless higher courts overturn today’s judgment. As Nigerians debate, grieve, and reflect, one truth stands out starkly—domestic violence destroys lives, and silence can be deadly.