ABUJA, NIGERIA — The widower of renowned Nigerian gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu has been sentenced to death by hanging, three years after her passing.
Initially reported to have succumbed to throat cancer, the circumstances surrounding the 42-year-old singer’s death took a dramatic turn when her family publicly alleged she was a victim of domestic violence.
They accused her husband, Peter Nwachukwu, of subjecting the celebrated music artist to abuse, which they claimed ultimately led to her death.
Following a trial, a judge found him guilty on 23 counts, including culpable homicide, and imposed the maximum penalty permissible under the law for the offense.
It remains uncertain whether Peter Nwachukwu, who consistently denied all accusations against him, will face execution, as Nigerian authorities have a record of infrequent implementation of the death sentence. He retains the right to appeal the court’s decision.
The case, which was heard in the High Court in the capital city of Abuja, garnered significant national attention in Nigeria due to the late musician’s widespread popularity and the pervasive concern surrounding domestic violence within the country.
The late Osinachi Nwachukwu, who leaves behind four children, was famously featured in the widely acclaimed 2017 gospel hit “Ekwueme,” a song that has amassed over 136 million views on YouTube.
Peter Nwachukwu was apprehended in 2022 and faced additional charges including emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse, cruelty towards children, and criminal intimidation directed at them.
During the course of the trial, the prosecution presented testimony from seventeen witnesses, including two of the couple’s children.
Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme delivered the verdict, finding the widower guilty on all counts, stating that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
