A Federal Capital Territory High in Abuja Court has sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of late gospel singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging.
The late gospel singer, who came into limelight in 2017 when she collaborated with Prospa Ochimana on the gospel hit song, Ekwueme, died at the age of 42 and her death sparked widespread criticisms.
The trial judge, Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme who delivered the judgment today (Monday) found him guilty of culpable homicide in connection with the death of his wife on April 8, 2022.
Mr. Nwachukwu, who was 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 called 17 witnesses, including two of the deceased’s children, and tendered 25 exhibits.
The defendant testified in his defence and presented four additional witnesses and four exhibits.
In her judgment, Justice Nwosu-Iheme held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Following pleas for leniency from Nwachukwu’s counsel, Reginald Nwali, the court nevertheless 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 and was fined a total of N700,000.
From Punch
