Peter Nwachukwu, the widower of popular Nigerian gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, has been sentenced to death by hanging after being found guilty of culpable homicide and 22 other charges in connection with his wife’s death. The ruling was delivered by Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme at the High Court in Abuja, marking a significant legal conclusion to a case that has gripped Nigeria for over two years.
Osinachi Nwachukwu, a revered figure in Nigeria’s gospel music scene, passed away in April 2022 at the age of 42. Her death was initially attributed to throat cancer, but disturbing allegations soon emerged from her family, who claimed she had been a victim of prolonged domestic abuse. These claims shifted the public narrative and spurred a criminal investigation into her death.
Peter Nwachukwu, who was arrested shortly after her death, consistently denied all allegations. However, the court found compelling evidence presented by the prosecution, including testimonies from 17 witnesses—among them two of the couple’s four children. The charges ranged from physical assault to emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse, as well as cruelty and criminal intimidation directed at both his wife and their children.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme ruled that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. While the death sentence was handed down, it remains uncertain whether it will be carried out, as Nigeria rarely enforces the death penalty. Nwachukwu still retains the right to appeal the judgment.
The case has sparked nationwide conversations about domestic violence, especially in religious and conservative communities where abuse often remains hidden. Osinachi was widely admired for her powerful voice and deep Christian faith. She rose to prominence after featuring in the 2017 gospel hit Ekwueme, which has since garnered over 136 million views on YouTube.
Osinachi’s tragic story and the subsequent conviction of her husband underscore the urgent need for stronger protections for domestic violence victims in Nigeria. Her legacy now stands as both a musical inspiration and a painful reminder of the silent suffering endured by many behind closed doors.
