Husband of popular gospel singer, Osinachi, Peter Nwachukwu, has been remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre on Friday.
Justice Njideka Nwosu Iheme ordered his remand following denial of the charge brought against him at his arraignment
This will remain in effect pending the hearing and determination of the homicide suit filed against him by the Attorney General of the Federation.
Nwachukwu’s wife died on April 8, and accusing fingers are pointing at her husband, stating that the deceased was subjected to domestic violence, leading to her death.
When the Nigeria Police arrested him Nwachukwu denied any wrongdoing.
The defendant was arraigned on a 23-count charge bordering on domestic violence and culpable homicide.
Part of the charges read: “That you Peter Nwachukwu, 56, male, on the 8th of April, 2022 at Aco Estate, opposite police station, Lugbe, Abuja, FCT, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did commit an offence to with: culpable homicide punishable with death in that you caused the death of Mrs Osinachi Nwachukwu by your various acts of violence and aggravated assault with the knowledge that her death would be the probable consequence of your acts.”
“Statement of offence: 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.
“Particular of offence: That you, Peter Nwachukwu, male, sometime between 14th November 2009 and April 2022 at Aco Estate, opposite police station, Lugbe, Abuja, FCT, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did commit an offence to wit: emotional, verbal and psychological abuse on Mrs Osinachi Nwachukwu (deceased) by humiliating her and making utterances like ‘you are smelling,’ ‘you are mad,’ to her in the presence of her music crew members.”
According to the charge, the Federal Government claims that the defendant contravened Sections 104 and 379 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, section 221 of the Penal Code and the Violence Against Person’s Prohibition Act, VAPP, 2015.
The judge adjourned trial to June 16 from 12:00p.m and June 17 by 9:00a.m. Also, the court ordered accelerated trial of the defendant.