The husband of top Nigerian gospel singer, Peter Nwachukwu has pleaded not guilty to all 23-count charges relating to the death of Osinachi and alleged abuse in their marriage. Osinachi Nwachukwu's death in April in Abuja sparked outrage after her family alleged she was a domestic abuse victim. A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Wuse, on Friday, remanded Peter, at the Kuje Correctional Facility, pending the hearing and determination of the homicide-related suit instituted against him by the Attorney General of the Federation. Justice N.K. Nwosu-Iheme gave the order after he pleaded not guilty to 23 counts bordering on domestic violence and homicide, among others.
“The business for today is for arraignment, accelerated hearing is hereby ordered,” declared Justice Nwosu-Iheme.
“Defendant should be remanded in Kuje Correctional Facility pending the hearing and determination of this suit,” she said.
The trial was adjourned to June 16 from 12pm and June 17 by 9am.
Recall that Osinachi’s sudden death on April 8 after some time on life support led to family, friends and church members making revelations about the domestic abuse she had been allegedly subjected to by her husband.
Many Nigerians, especially Christians, reacted with sorrow and anger to the news of her death.
Some went online to urge religious leaders not to advise church members to stay in abusive relationships.