Husband of Osinachi Nwachuwku, who allegedly beat her to death, denies killing Nigerian gospel star
The late Nigerian gospel singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu, seen posing with husband Peter Nwachukwu who is accused of beating her to death but pleads not guilty.
By Naeema Paris // People // EEW Magazine Online
An internationally renowned Nigerian gospel singer died in April after being allegedly beaten by her abusive husband, a minister.
Peter Nwachukwu, the accused, who faces 23 charges in total, has pleaded not guilty to all charges in connection with the death of Osinachi Nwachukwu in Abuja.
According to BBC, some of the nearly two dozen charges are linked to domestic violence—including emotional, verbal and psychological abuse—and culpable homicide, punishable by death.
Credit: Osinachi Nwachukwu Singing Ministry Int’l via EEW Magazine
While police continue their investigation into the cause of death of the 42-year-old worship leader, best known for the massive hit, “Ekwueme,” the high court ordered that Mr. Nwachukwu be remanded to prison.
Initial reports said the songstress had been battling throat cancer. But the family vehemently denied that claim, alleging, instead, that she was a victim of domestic abuse.
As previously reported by EEW Magazine Online, after spending five days on life support in an Abujah hospital, Mrs. Nwachukwu succumbed to her injuries, tragically leaving behind four children.
Family members reportedly advised her to leave the volatile marriage, but the committed wife was praying and believing God to change her husband.
Pastor Paul Enenche, who leads Dunamis International Gospel Centre where the late singer served in ministry, said he had no knowledge of the abuse.
The beating death has sparked much dialogue surrounding attitudes and beliefs around domestic violence in the church. Women of faith, both in Nigeria and abroad, are commonly told to stay in abusive marriages despite the imminent threat of danger to avoid committing the “sin” of divorce—toxic and unbiblical advice that frequently proves fatal.
Statistics show that each year, more than 400,000 people die globally from murder or culpable homicide. In Nigeria, murder, culpable homicide and attempted murder are growing increasingly prevalent at alarming rates.
A Facebook statement posted by Deborah Paul-Enenche, the daughter of the victim’s pastor, said, “My father has always been an advocate for removing oneself from a deeply unhealthy marriage. It is spread across the fabric of his ministry the clear fact that he has always ensured the weak are protected.”
If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
