Court Rejects Peter Nwachukwu’s Application
The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has dismissed an application filed by Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of the late gospel singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu.
The application sought to challenge the homicide and domestic violence-related suit brought against him by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation on June 3, 2022.
The court’s decision was based on its belief that the federal government had established a case against Peter Nwachukwu, requiring him to present a defense.
Background of the Case
Osinachi Nwachukwu tragically passed away on April 8, 2022, and following her death, there were reports from her colleagues alleging that her husband had physically abused her.
Subsequently, Peter Nwachukwu was arrested by the Nigerian police. After his arrest, he was arraigned before Justice Njideka K.
Nwosu-Iheme, who remanded him at the Kuje Correctional Facility pending the hearing and determination of the case.
Peter Nwachukwu pleaded not guilty to a 23-count charge, which included allegations of domestic violence and homicide.
Trial Progression
The trial began on June 20, 2022, with the prosecution calling 17 witnesses to provide evidence.
The prosecution finally closed its case on March 10, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the legal proceedings.
Nwachukwu’s No-Case Submission
Peter Nwachukwu’s lawyer, A. Aliyu, subsequently filed a no-case submission, arguing that his client had no case to answer.
Aliyu contended that the evidence presented by medical practitioners during the trial exonerated his client from the charge of culpable homicide.
He pointed out that the medical practitioners’ testimonies indicated that the deceased did not suffer any form of violence leading to her death.
Instead, they confirmed that Osinachi Nwachukwu’s death resulted from outgrowth tumors, which caused cardiac tamponade, as the primary cause of death, along with abnormal tissue growth (cancer) as the secondary cause.
The lawyer also alleged that Nwachukwu’s in-laws were attempting to frame him and highlighted that the autopsy did not reveal any marks of violence on the deceased at the time it was conducted.
Court’s Ruling and Upcoming Proceedings
In a ruling on the no-case submission, Justice Nwosu-Iheme held that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the defendant.
Consequently, Peter Nwachukwu was ordered to enter his defense. The court has scheduled the next proceedings for November 22 and 23.
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