Gender Advocates Celebrate Justice: Death Sentence for Late Osinachi’s Husband

Several gender rights activists have praised the decision made by the Federal Capital Territory High Court located in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, which sentenced Peter Nwachukwu, the spouse of deceased gospel artist Osinachi Nwachukwu, to death via hanging on Monday.

After determining Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide, which led to the death of Osinachi on April 8, 2022, the court issued his sentence.

In her judgment, Judge Njideka Nwosu-Iheme ruled that the prosecution had met the legal standard of proof, leading to the conviction of the defendant.

On June 3, 2022, Nwachukwu was brought before the court by the Attorney-General of the Federation on behalf of the Federal Government.

He was confronted with a total of 23 charges, which encompassed manslaughter carrying the death penalty, threatening behavior, child abuse, domestic violence against his spouse, along with various additional offenses.

In the course of the trial, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses, among them were two offspring of the deceased gospel artist, who took the stand as the fourth and fifth witnesses for the prosecution (PW4 and PW5).

The prosecution likewise submitted 25 documents as exhibits to the court.

In defense of the case, the defendant gave testimony in his favor and summoned four additional witnesses, along with presenting four pieces of evidence.

Prior to delivering the sentence, Nwachukwu’s lawyer, Reginald Nwali, in his request for compassion (allocutus), asked the court to demonstrate leniency in its ruling.

Nevertheless, the prosecuting attorney, Mrs Aderonke Imala, implored the court to apply the complete force of the law.

Justice Nwosu-Iheme later handed down a sentence of death by hanging to Nwachukwu for Count 1.

Furthermore, he received a two-year prison sentence for counts 2, 3, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18.

The court additionally ordered the defendant to serve six months in prison for Count 10, followed by three years in prison for Count 11. Furthermore, fines amounting to N500,000 and N200,000 were mandated for Counts 6 and 7, respectively.

Regarding the decision, gender rights advocate and founder of DOHS Cares Foundation, Ololade Ajayi, expressed satisfaction with the judgment, stating that it serves as a stern message to those contemplating such offenses.

Speaking to PUNCH Metro , Ajayi labelled Osinachi’s death a case of femicide, stressing that it resulted from a series of violent acts rather than a single incident.

She stated, "This triumph holds significant personal importance and satisfaction for our team at DOHS Cares. It serves as a powerful statement directed towards those who murder their spouses through various means with malicious intent. Such cases clearly represent femicide—violence inflicted upon women with the deliberate aim of causing death. These incidents seldom occur isolated; they typically follow a recurring cycle of mistreatment that ultimately culminates in fatal consequences."

Ajayi, nonetheless, encouraged the judicial system to expedite analogous cases to guarantee prompt justice for those affected.

She additionally urged the administration to offer assistance to the offspring of the victims.

"The primary issue is that the trial lasted far too long. Going ahead, we need expedited proceedings and prompt verdicts. Additionally, the administration needs to implement measures to assist the children affected, aiding their recovery from psychological distress. These points are included in the Gender-Sensitive Act which is now under consideration by the National Assembly," she concluded.

In similar fashion, Professor Joy Ezeilo, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and an advocate for gender rights, applauded the decision as a significant verdict that provides optimism to those who have suffered from gender-based abuse.

On X.com, Ezeilo commented, "justice has ultimately been delivered for the late gospel artist Osinachi, with the FCT High Court finding her husband, Peter Nwachukwu, guilty and handing down his sentence following her untimely passing in April 2022."

This pivotal decision acts not just as a warning to possible wrongdoers but also provides encouragement to survivors of gender-based abuse, motivating them to come forward.

The mother and her twin sibling who are now caring for the three children that went through this trauma deserve our constant support. May this triumph of justice bring about enduring changes and improved safeguards for everyone.

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