Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Wuse Zone 2 has rejected the no-case submission filed by Peter Nwachukwu, the spouse of the late gospel singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu.
In her ruling, Justice Nwosu-Iheme stated that the prosecution had successfully presented a case against the defendant.
The Federal Government had levied a 23-count charge against Nwachukwu in connection with Osinachi’s demise.
Upon pleading not guilty, the judge ordered the defendant to be held at the Kuje correctional facility pending further proceedings.
Throughout the trial, which began on June 20, 2022, and concluded on March 10, 2023, the prosecution summoned 17 witnesses to give their testimony.
Initially, Mrs. Osinachi’s passing on April 8, 2022, was attributed to throat cancer, but family and friends alleged that her demise was linked to assault by her husband, who was subsequently arrested.
A report from the National Hospital in Abuja, however, disclosed an autopsy that found no signs of violence on the deceased. The autopsy report specified the causes of Osinachi’s death, which included organ pallor, leg swelling, fluid in the heart sac, tumor deposits, and an enlarged heart.
Following the autopsy report, Mr. Nwachukwu’s counsel, I.A. Aliyu, submitted a no-case motion, contending that Nwachukwu was not liable for the accusations of homicide and domestic violence, citing evidence from medical practitioners.
Aliyu emphasized that the autopsy report indicated that Osinachi’s demise was a result of tumors and abnormal tissue growth, urging the court to clear his client of all charges.
However, the court dismissed the no-case submission and mandated the defendant to present his defense.
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