Peter Nwachukwu

Peter Nwachukwu is the husband of the late gospel artist Osinachi Nwachukwu. Born on July 7 in the 1960s, he hails from Omaboma, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, Nigeria. Despite his involvement in ministry and music, Peter remained relatively unknown until the tragic death of his wife in April 2022, which brought him into the national spotlight due to the circumstances surrounding her demise.

Marriage to Osinachi Nwachukwu

Peter was married to Osinachi Nwachukwu, a renowned Nigerian gospel singer best known for her feature in the hit song “Ekwueme” by Prospa Ochimana. Together, they had four children. Their marriage, however, was reportedly marred by instances of domestic violence. Following Osinachi’s death on April 8, 2022, allegations emerged from family members, friends, and colleagues accusing Peter of long-term physical and emotional abuse towards his wife.

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

Following the tragic death of gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu on April 8, 2022, widespread allegations emerged suggesting that her death was not natural but a result of prolonged domestic abuse at the hands of her husband, Peter Nwachukwu. Amid a national outcry for justice, Peter was arrested by the Nigerian Police and subsequently charged with multiple criminal offenses.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, acting through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, filed a comprehensive 23-count charge against Peter Nwachukwu at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, located in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja.
The major charges included:

• Culpable homicide punishable by death, contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code.
• Spousal battery, contrary to Section 263 of the Penal Code.
• Cruelty to children, under Section 238 of the Penal Code.
• Criminal intimidation, under Section 397 of the Penal Code.

The prosecution’s case was heavily built on testimonies and documentary evidence indicating a pattern of physical, emotional, and psychological abuse. It was revealed that Osinachi had endured years of violence, humiliation, and control by her husband, which ultimately contributed to health complications leading to her death.

The Trial

The trial officially began on June 3, 2022.
During the proceedings:

• The prosecution presented 17 witnesses, including:
  • Two of the couple’s four children,
  • Medical practitioners,
  • Family members,
  • Neighbors,
  • Church members,
  • And colleagues from Osinachi’s music ministry.
• The prosecution submitted 25 exhibits to the court, ranging from medical reports to documented statements and audio recordings revealing instances of abuse.

Peter Nwachukwu, in his defense:

• Testified personally before the court.
• Presented four witnesses, primarily close associates and church members.
• Submitted four exhibits as part of his defense effort, aiming to portray himself as a caring husband and deny allegations of abuse.

Throughout the trial, several heartbreaking testimonies surfaced. One of Osinachi’s sons told the court:

“My father used to beat my mother and us. He would shout at her and say she’s worthless even after all the money she made.”

Medical experts who testified stated that Osinachi’s death resulted from complications linked to physical trauma, contradicting initial assumptions that she died purely from untreated throat cancer.

Verdict and Sentencing

On April 28, 2025, after nearly three years of legal battles, Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme delivered a landmark ruling.
The court found Peter Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide beyond reasonable doubt.

As a result:

• He was sentenced to death by hanging under the provisions of Section 221 of the Penal Code.
• Additionally, he received separate sentences ranging from six months to three years for the lesser offenses of spousal battery, child cruelty, and intimidation.
• The court imposed a total fine of ₦700,000 in addition to the custodial sentences.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme, in her judgment, emphasized:

“Marriage should be a sanctuary of love and respect, not a death sentence. The court must send a clear message that domestic violence will not be tolerated.”

Public Reaction to the Sentence

The sentencing was widely celebrated by women’s rights groups, legal practitioners, religious leaders, and the general public as a landmark victory against domestic violence in Nigeria. It ignited renewed calls for:

• Stronger protection for victims of domestic abuse,
• More robust enforcement of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act,
• Greater public education on identifying and reporting domestic violence.

Several notable figures in Nigeria’s gospel and entertainment industry — including Frank Edwards, Chioma Jesus, and Evang. Chidinma Ekile — praised the court’s verdict, describing it as justice for Osinachi and a deterrent for abusers.

The case also prompted national conversation around the culture of silence and stigmatization of abuse victims in religious settings.

Public Reaction and Impact

The case garnered significant public attention, sparking widespread discussions on domestic violence in Nigeria. Many Nigerians, including fellow gospel artists and women’s rights activists, called for justice for Osinachi and advocated for stronger measures to protect victims of domestic abuse. The sentencing of Peter Nwachukwu was seen by many as a landmark judgment, reinforcing the legal system’s stance against domestic violence.

References

• Sahara Reporters. (2025, April 28). Court Sentences Late Nigerian Gospel Singer Osinachi’s Husband To Death By Hanging. Retrieved from https://saharareporters.com/2025/04/28/court-sentences-late-nigerian-gospel-singer-osinachis-husband-death-hanging (Court Sentences Late Nigerian Gospel Singer Osinachi’s Husband …)
• Punch Newspapers. (2025, April 28). Gospel singer Osinachi’s husband sentenced to death by hanging. Retrieved from https://punchng.com/breaking-gospel-singer-osinachis-husband-sentenced-to-death-by-hanging/ (Gospel singer Osinachi’s husband sentenced to death by hanging)
• Business Day. (2025, April 28). Court sentences late gospel singer Osinachi’s husband to death by hanging. Retrieved from https://businessday.ng/news/article/court-sentences-late-gospel-singer-osinachis-husband-to-death-by-hanging/ (Court sentences late gospel singer Osinachi’s husband to death by …)
• Wikipedia. (n.d.). Osinachi Nwachukwu. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osinachi_Nwachukwu

For a visual summary of the court proceedings and public reactions, you may watch the following video:

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