In a pivotal development, Justice Njideka K. Nwosu-Iheme of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has scheduled a crucial ruling for Tuesday, October 17.
This decision pertains to the no-case submission made by Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel singer, Osinachi, in the face of a homicide and domestic violence-related lawsuit filed against him by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on June 3, 2022.
The backdrop of this case involves the tragic death of Osinachi on April 8, 2022, with allegations of maltreatment by her husband surfacing among her music colleagues. Following Nwachukwu’s arrest by the Nigeria Police, the case was transferred to the OAGF for prosecution.
After pleading not guilty to a 23-count charge, including domestic violence and homicide, Nwachukwu was remanded at the Kuje Correctional Facility pending the outcome of the trial. The proceedings began on June 20, 2022, with the prosecution presenting 17 witnesses and officially closing its case on March 10, 2023.
The autopsy report, crucial in determining the cause of Osinachi’s death, revealed “generalized organ pallor, bilateral leg swelling, fluid in the sac containing the heart, tumour deposits in and on the heart, lungs, kidneys, and a massively enlarged heart.” Nwachukwu’s lawyer filed a no-case submission, arguing that medical practitioners’ evidence absolved his client of culpable homicide, asserting that Osinachi died due to health issues, not violence.
The defense further claimed that Nwachukwu’s in-laws were attempting to frame him and questioned the credibility of testimonies from his children, suggesting they were “tutored.”
As the court awaits the crucial ruling, the legal teams remain at odds, with the defense urging the court to uphold the no-case submission and discharge the defendant, while the prosecution insists on proceeding to trial. The outcome of this ruling will undoubtedly have far-reaching implications in a case that has gripped public attention and raised questions about justice and the circumstances surrounding Osinachi’s untimely demise.
