The no-case submission of Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of the late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, has been dismissed by a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja on Tuesday, 17th October 2023.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme, stated that the prosecution had established a case against him.
Nwachukwu faces a 23-count charge, including culpable homicide punishable by death, assault resulting in harm, and intentional infliction of grievous bodily harm, about the death of his wife.
The trial, which took place from June 20, 2022, to March 10, 2023, involved the presentation of 17 witnesses by the prosecution to strengthen its case.
Initially, Osinachi’s death was attributed to throat cancer, but suspicions arose among her family and friends regarding her husband’s alleged domestic abuse, leading to his arrest.
However, the National Hospital in Abuja released an autopsy report refuting claims of violence and specifying the cause of death as various health complications.
Despite Nwachukwu’s counsel arguing that the evidence from medical practitioners cleared his client of the charges, Justice Nwosu-Iheme dismissed the no-case submission, requiring Nwachukwu to present a defence.
Consequently, the court ordered his remand at the Kuje correctional facility pending further hearings in November 2023.
Story: Christy Dung