Court Rejects No-Case Submission by Osinachi’s Husband in Homicide Trial.
In a significant development in the trial surrounding the death of gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Wuse Zone 2 has dismissed the no-case submission filed by Peter Nwachukwu, the late singer’s husband.
The Federal Government had previously filed a 23-count charge against Nwachukwu in connection with the tragic demise of Osinachi Nwachukwu.
In delivering her ruling, Justice Nwosu-Iheme determined that the prosecution had successfully established a compelling case against the defendant.
Upon hearing the charges, Nwachukwu had pleaded not guilty. Following this, the judge issued an order for his remand at the Kuje correctional facility, where he will remain pending further legal proceedings.
Death of Osinachi Nwachukwu
The trial, which commenced on June 20, 2022, and concluded on March 10, 2023, saw the prosecution call upon 17 witnesses to testify. The case revolved around the circumstances of Osinachi’s passing on April 8, 2022.
Initially, her death was attributed to throat cancer. However, family and friends raised suspicions of possible assault by her husband, which ultimately led to his arrest.
Subsequently, the National Hospital in Abuja conducted an autopsy, which did not reveal signs of violence on the deceased. The report cited multiple contributing factors to Osinachi’s death, including generalized organ pallor, bilateral leg swelling, fluid around the heart, tumor deposits on various organs, a massively enlarged heart, and fluid surrounding the lungs, which restricted breathing.
Following the release of the autopsy report, Mr. Nwachukwu’s counsel, I.A. Aliyu, submitted a no-case submission, asserting that his client had no case to answer. Aliyu argued that the evidence presented by medical practitioners exonerated Osinachi Nwachukwu from culpable homicide and domestic violence allegations.
He emphasized that the autopsy report indicated Osinachi’s death was primarily due to outgrowth tumors causing cardiac tamponade, with abnormal tissue growth (cancer) as a secondary cause of death.
In light of these arguments, Aliyu requested the court to discharge and acquit his client of all charges. However, the court ultimately dismissed the no-case submission and directed the defendant to proceed with his defense.
The trial surrounding Osinachi Nwachukwu’s death continues to garner significant attention as it unfolds in the Federal Capital Territory High Court. The decision to proceed with the defense phase will be a critical juncture in this case, and it remains a matter of great public interest
