Late Osinachi’s Husband Treated Her Like An Animal – Sister Tells Court

BY EDMOND ODOK – The family of late popular gospel singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu stormed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja on Monday with one of them, Favour Madu telling the judge that the deceased was treated like an animal by her husband, Peter Nwachukwu.

Popularly known for her song ‘Ekwueme’ hit song, Osinachi’s passage was reported on April 8, 2022 with wide spread allegations by the children, family and colleagues that her death was due to complications arising from consistent exposure to domestic violence.

Madu, 44 and a sister to the late Osinachi, works as a data processing officer with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Enugu. She testified as the second prosecution witness in the alleged culpable homicide case brought against Nwachukwu by the Attorney-General of the Federation.

Led in evidence by Aderonke Imana, the prosecution counsel, Madu informed the Court that the family is seeking justice in the case; claiming that; “Her husband never treated her well. He treated her like an animal, beats her anyhow, never made her happy and never allowed her to associate with her family.

Informing the court that her late sister got married in 2008 had four children with the oldest one being 12 years and the last girl seven (7) years old, Madu further disclosed that they referred to Nwachukwu as ‘Manager’ because he had full control of everything, including Osinachi’s money.

The witness, who recounted that the fear of Peter made the deceased almost abandon her family and exposed her to hardship, further claimed; ”There was a time she went for ministration and asked for stage fee, only to be told that N2 million had been paid into her husband’s account.

”He was responsible for booking events, collecting money and only tells her to go and minister without even giving her pocket money.”

According to Madu; “When my father was ill, he wanted to come to Abuja for treatment but the defendant refused and he eventually died.

”While traveling for our father’s burial, the defendant slapped her because she complained of how rough he was driving. Unfortunately, my sister developed ulcer as a result of starvation because Nwachukwu never provided for his family.

“She was the provider for the family. My sister owns the house they lived in. He drove her out of the house with the their last baby under the rain and it was her first son that snuck a wrapper to cover the baby.”

Under cross examination by the defence counsel, I A Aliyu, who asked how she was aware of happenings living far away in Enugu, Madu said the deceased confided in her on the phone.

In response to question if the family expected to benefit from her late sister’s finances, the witness answered in the affirmative.

Questioned if she knew the cause of her sister’s death, Madu said the defendant prevented the late Osinachi’s twin sister and her brother who were in the hospital from asking the doctors about it.

Thereafter, the presiding judge, Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme, discharged the witness and adjourned the matter until Tuesday, for continuation of hearing.

Among late Osinachi’s relations, who were in court on Monday to watch the proceeding, include her two children, mother, brother and twin sister.

The Police had arraigned the defendant on June 3 with the Court ruling that he be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre after pleading not guilty to the alleged homicide charge filed against him by the Attorney General of the Federation.

The 23-count charge instituted against him borders on domestic violence and homicide. The Police arrested him after his wife died on April 8, 2022 following wide spread allegations by their children, family and colleagues that she died due to complications arising domestic violence.

According to the charge, the alleged crime contravenes Sections 104 and 379 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, (ACJA) 2015; Section 221 of the Penal Code; and the Violence Against Person’s Prohibition Act (VAPP) 2015.

The charge read thus: “That you Peter Nwachukwu, 56, male, on the April 8 at Aco Estate, opposite Police Station, Lugbe, Abuja, FCT, within the jurisdiction of this court, did commit an offence to with: culpable homicide punishable with death in that you caused the death of Osinachi N.

“This was caused by your various acts of violence and aggravated assault with the knowledge that her death would be the probable consequence of your act.

“Particulars of offence: That you, Peter Nwachukwu, male, sometime between Nov. 14, 2009 and April 2022 at Aco Estate, opposite Police Station, Lugbe, Abuja, FCT, within the jurisdiction of this court, did commit an offence to wit: emotional, verbal and psychological abuse on Mrs Osinachi Nwachukwu (deceased).

“This was caused by humiliating her and making utterances like ‘you are smelling,’ ‘you are mad,’ to her in the presence of her music crew members.”

The statement of offence bordered on emotional, verbal and psychological abuse contrary to Section 14(1) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, 2015 and punishable under the same section of the Act.