An High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Monday, sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death by hanging.
Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme ruled that the prosecution successfully proved its case against Nwachukwu, who was convicted of culpable homicide leading to his wife’s death on April 8, 2022.
Nwachukwu was first arraigned on June 3, 2022, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on behalf of the Federal Government. He faced a 23-count charge, which included culpable homicide punishable by death, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, and spousal battery, among others.
During the trial, the prosecution called 17 witnesses, including two of the couple’s children, who testified as the fourth and fifth witnesses. In addition, the prosecution submitted 25 documents as evidence before the court.
In his defence, Nwachukwu testified personally, presented four other witnesses, and tendered four exhibits.
Before the sentencing, Nwachukwu’s lawyer, Reginald Nwali, pleaded with the court for leniency. However, the prosecution counsel, Mrs. Aderonke Imala, urged the court to apply the full weight of the law.
Justice Nwosu-Iheme sentenced Nwachukwu to death by hanging on Count 1 (culpable homicide). He was also sentenced to two years’ imprisonment each on Counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18.
He received a six-month prison term for Count 10 and three years’ imprisonment for Count 11.
Additionally, he was fined ₦500,000 and ₦200,000 on Counts 6 and 7, respectively.
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