In a new development, late Osinachi’s husband, Peter has been sentenced to death by hanging. Peter Nwachukwu, husband of Late Osinachi, has faced legal consequences for his actions. He was formally arraigned on June 3, 2022, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF) on behalf of the Federal Government. He faced a total of 23 charges, which included culpable homicide, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, spousal battery, and other related offenses. These charges stemmed from the extensive allegations of prolonged domestic abuse that eventually led to Osinachi’s death, a case that ignited national outrage and reinvigorated calls for stronger measures to combat domestic violence in Nigeria.
The prosecution, headed by Mrs. Aderonke Imala, presented a compelling case to the court. Over the course of the trial, 17 witnesses were called to testify, including two of Osinachi’s children, who became crucial witnesses in the case, offering heart-wrenching accounts of their mother’s suffering.
In total, 25 documents were submitted as evidence, further supporting the charges against Nwachukwu. These testimonies painted a disturbing picture of a long-standing pattern of abuse in the relationship, which had been concealed for years, with Osinachi enduring various forms of cruelty at the hands of her husband.
In his defense, Nwachukwu testified in his own behalf and brought in four witnesses, along with four exhibits, in an attempt to refute the accusations.
However, despite his defense, the prosecution successfully argued that the evidence presented overwhelmingly supported the charges, particularly the central one of culpable homicide, which directly linked Nwachukwu’s violent actions to Osinachi’s death. The prosecution also emphasized the psychological and physical toll of the abuse, as well as the impact it had on the children who witnessed it.
Nwachukwu’s lawyer, Reginald Nwali, made a plea for leniency during the sentencing phase, arguing that the defendant should receive a less severe penalty. However, the prosecution, represented by Mrs. Aderonke Imala, strongly urged the court to impose a sentence that would match the severity of the crimes, reflecting the devastating effect of domestic violence on the victim, her family, and society at large.
After a careful and thorough review of the evidence and the legal requirements for a homicide conviction, Justice Nwosu-Iheme delivered the judgment on April 28, 2025, declaring that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The court found that Nwachukwu was guilty of culpable homicide in the death of Osinachi and sentenced him to death by hanging for the first charge.
Additionally, Nwachukwu was sentenced to varying terms of imprisonment for the other charges. These included:
Two years’ imprisonment for counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18 (which involved charges related to cruelty, intimidation, and battery).
Six months’ imprisonment for count 10 (which involved a lesser offense).
Three years’ imprisonment for count 11 (which pertained to another act of abuse).
Fines of N500,000 and N200,000 for counts 6 and 7, respectively (related to charges of intimidation and cruelty).
These sentences reflect the court’s determination to address the full spectrum of offenses committed by Nwachukwu, not only the fatal assault that led to Osinachi’s death but also the pattern of abuse and intimidation she endured over time. The ruling serves as a strong message about the legal consequences of domestic violence and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
Osinachi, known for her powerful and moving gospel music, especially her hit song “Ekwueme,” was a beloved figure in Nigeria. Her death at the age of 42 sent shockwaves across the country, as she was not only an admired artist but also a mother whose life was tragically cut short by the very person who should have been her protector. Her passing sparked widespread grief and outcry, leading to renewed discussions about the need for more stringent laws and actions to address domestic violence in Nigeria.
The case has been closely followed by the public and the media, and many view the verdict as a crucial step towards achieving justice for Osinachi and other victims of domestic abuse.
The sentencing of Peter Nwachukwu is seen as an important moment in the fight for justice and a reminder of the urgent need to protect vulnerable individuals from violence in their homes.
