Three years after the shocking death of gospel sensation Osinachi Nwachukwu, a Nigerian High Court has handed down a landmark verdict, sentencing her husband, Peter Nwachukwu, to death by hanging for her murder.
Once believed to have succumbed to throat cancer, revelations from family members painted a darker picture one of prolonged domestic abuse hidden behind the public image of a celebrated gospel couple.
Peter Nwachukwu, 56, was convicted on 23 counts, including culpable homicide, following months of emotional testimony. The prosecution presented 17 witnesses, including two of the couple’s four children, all of whom recounted harrowing experiences of abuse that allegedly spanned years.
Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme, who presided over the case, stated that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, paving the way for the maximum sentence under Nigerian law.
Osinachi rose to fame through her moving vocals on gospel hit ”Ekwuene”, a track that has now garnered over 136 million views on YouTube.
Peter Nwachukwu was arrested in 2022 after the allegations surfaced, sparking nationwide protests and a renewed conversation about gender-based violence in Nigeria.
Although sentenced to death, it remains unclear whether Nwachukwu will actually face execution, as capital punishment is rarely carried out in Nigeria. He is expected to appeal the ruling.
The late singer is survived by her four children.
