Women rights groups have applauded the ruling that sentenced Peter Nwachukwu to death by hanging for killing his wife.
A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, gave the ruling on Monday, April 29, 2025.
Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme found Nwachukwu guilty of killing the late gospel singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu.
The court said the prosecution proved the case beyond reasonable doubt before delivering the final judgment.
The court held that the evidence against Nwachukwu was overwhelming and sufficient to convict him for culpable homicide.
Osinachi died on April 8, 2022, following multiple reports of domestic abuse by her husband.
Nwachukwu was arraigned on June 3, 2022, by the Attorney-General of the Federation on 23-count charges.
Charges included culpable homicide, spousal battery, criminal intimidation, cruelty to children, and other domestic violence offences.
During the trial, 17 witnesses testified against him, including two children of the late gospel singer.
The prosecution also tendered 25 documentary exhibits to support their case before the court.
In defence, Nwachukwu testified and called four witnesses. He also submitted four exhibits in his favour.
Before sentencing, his lawyer, Reginald Nwali, pleaded for mercy and a lighter sentence.
But the prosecuting 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 of culpable homicide.
He also received two years’ jail term each on Counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18.
The court also gave him six months’ imprisonment on Count 10 and three years on Count 11.
Additionally, Nwachukwu was fined N500,000 and N200,000 on Counts 6 and 7 respectively.
Reacting, Ololade Ajayi, founder of DOHS Cares Foundation, welcomed the judgment and described it as a warning to abusers.
Ajayi called Osinachi’s death a case of femicide, saying it was a result of continuous domestic violence.
She said, “This verdict sends a clear message to abusive spouses who hide behind religion or culture to commit murder.”
Ajayi urged the judiciary to speed up similar cases to ensure timely justice for domestic abuse victims.
She added that the government must support children of victims to recover from trauma and pain.
She also said this concern is captured in the Feminine Bill before the National Assembly.
Also reacting, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and activist, Prof. Joy Ezeilo, hailed the verdict as a landmark ruling.
She said it would give hope to other survivors of domestic abuse and gender-based violence across the country.
Posting on X.com, Ezeilo stated that justice had been served for Osinachi and her traumatised children.
She called on Nigerians to rally around Osinachi’s family, especially her twin sister now raising her children.
She said the judgment should inspire lasting reforms in domestic violence cases across Nigeria.
