Nigerian gospel singer Osinachi’s husband sentenced to death for killing her
Multiple witnesses confirmed to the court that his physical abuse led to a fatal kick to her chest, ultimately causing her death
Husband of the late celebrated Nigerian gospel artist Osinachi Nwachukwu, Peter Nwachukwu, has been sentenced to death by hanging.
The Federal Capital Territory High Court of Abuja, Nigeria, found Nwachukwu guilty of the murder of his late wife after a three-year trial.
During the trial, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses, including the couple’s two eldest Children, together with 25 pieces of evidence.
The testimony by the 17 revealed Nwachukwu’s controlling behaviour, which included him collecting the earnings of the late artist and subjecting her to physical violence.
Their son revealed to the court that his father would beat their mother if she dared to protest after he took all her earnings from her singing career.
The accused went further and ensured she had no personal bank account, so any proceeds from her shows went directly to him.
The boy also narrated how controlling he was, that he would dictate what she would wear, eat, or spend money on.
Multiple witnesses confirmed to the court that his physical abuse led to a fatal kick to Osinachi’s chest, ultimately causing her death.
Of the 23 counts against him, including culpable homicide, spousal battery, child cruelty, and criminal intimidation, Nwachukwu was found guilty on 11 charges.
The court additionally imposed a 17-year, six-month prison sentence across various counts and fines totaling ₦700,000.
Despite his defence attorney’s plea for leniency, citing the couple’s four children, the prosecution successfully argued for the maximum penalty.
Earlier, Osinachi’s mother revealed that Nwachukwu tricked the family into letting him marry her daughter by pretending to be a pastor.
Osinachi, who was loved for her powerful vocals and was widely known for her collaboration with Prospa Ochimana on the gospel hit song, Ekwueme.
Initially, her death was reported to have been caused by throat cancer, but testimony from friends and family revealed a pattern of abuse at the hands of her husband, who also served as a pastor in the church where she performed as lead vocalist.
