A Federal Capital Territory High Court on Friday ordered that Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel singer, Osinachi, be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre.

Mr Nwachuckwu was remanded pending the hearing and determination of the alleged homicide charge filed against him by the Attorney -General of the Federation.

Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme gave the order following the defendant’s not guilty plea to the  23-count charge bordering on domestic violence and homicide instituted against him.

The judge also said that the matter would be given accelerated hearing.

She adjourned the matter until June 16 and 17 by 12 noon and 9:00 a.m. respectively.

Mr Nwachukwu was arrested by the Nigeria Police after his wife died on April 8 following widespread allegations by their children, family and colleagues that he battered her leading to her death.

According to the charge, the crime he allegedly committed contravenes Sections 104 and 379 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, (ACJA) 2015, Section 221 of the Penal Code and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act (VAPP) 2015.

The charge read in part: “That you Peter Nwachukwu, 56, male, on the April 8 at Aco Estate, opposite Police Station, Lugbe, Abuja, FCT, within the jurisdiction of this court, did commit an offence to wit: culpable homicide punishable with death in that you caused the death of Osinachi N.

“This was caused by your various acts of violence and aggravated assault with the knowledge that her death would be the probable consequence of your act.

“Particulars of offence: That you, Peter Nwachukwu, male, sometime between Nov. 14, 2009 and April 2022 at Aco Estate, opposite Police Station, Lugbe, Abuja, FCT, within the jurisdiction of this court, did commit an offence to wit: emotional, verbal and psychological abuse on Mrs Osinachi Nwachukwu (deceased).

“This was caused  by humiliating her and making utterances like ‘you are smelling,’ ‘you are mad,’ to her in the presence of her music crew members.”

The statement of offence bordered on 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.

The late gospel singer was popularly known for her song “Ekwueme”. 

(NAN)