In a landmark judgment delivered on April 27, 2025, Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of the late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, has been found guilty of culpable homicide resulting in the death of his wife.
The judgment was passed by Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting at Wuse Zone 2.
The ruling came after a protracted trial that shed light on the abusive marriage that ultimately led to Osinachi’s tragic death.
The trial of Peter Nwachukwu began after Osinachi, one of Nigeria’s most beloved gospel singers, passed away on April 8, 2022, under highly suspicious circumstances.
She had suffered years of alleged physical and emotional abuse at the hands of her husband, which, according to the prosecution, directly contributed to her untimely demise.
The Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (OAGF), arraigned Nwachukwu on a 23-count charge.
These charges included culpable homicide punishable by death, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, spousal battery, and the intimidation of children, among others.
Osinachi Nwachukwu, known for her powerful voice and inspiring gospel music, had long been a public figure with a reputation for her faith-driven songs. However, behind the scenes, reports from family, friends, and even some of Osinachi’s colleagues painted a harrowing picture of an abusive marriage.
The singer had been subjected to consistent physical violence, emotional torment, and intimidation by her husband, who is said to have restricted her movements, isolated her from her friends and family, and repeatedly used fear as a tool to control her.
