Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, has been sentenced to death by hanging by the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja.

Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme delivered the verdict on Monday, dismissing Nwachukwu’s no-case submission and finding him guilty of culpable homicide in connection with the death of his wife on April 8, 2022.

Nwachukwu, arraigned on June 3, 2022, faced a 23-count charge filed by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. The charges included culpable homicide, spousal battery, cruelty to children, and criminal intimidation.

During the trial, the prosecution, led by Mrs. Aderonke Imana, called 17 witnesses — including two of the deceased’s children — and tendered 25 exhibits. In his defence, Nwachukwu testified personally, called four additional witnesses, and presented four exhibits.

In her judgment, Justice Nwosu-Iheme ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Despite pleas for leniency by Nwachukwu’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, the court sentenced him to death by hanging on Count 1. He also received additional prison sentences ranging from six months to three years on several other counts, along with fines totaling N700,000.

Osinachi Nwachukwu died on April 8, 2022, at the age of 42. She rose to fame in 2017 after featuring on Prospa Ochimana’s gospel hit, Ekwueme. Following her death, numerous colleagues accused her husband of long-term domestic abuse, which they claimed contributed to her demise.

Peter Nwachukwu was arrested shortly after her death.