By Kemisola Ibitoye
Osinachi Nwachukwu was a Nigerian gospel singer known for her powerful voice that inspired many people. She became famous for her performance in the popular song “Ekwueme” and was seen as one of the most gifted voices in African gospel music. But behind her success was a personal struggle that remained hidden until her sad death in April 2022.
She was born on November 12, 1979, in Isuochi, Abia State, and was one of a pair of twins. Osinachi grew up in a strong Christian home and started singing when she was very young. Over time, she felt called to sing gospel music. Her emotional and soulful voice helped her stand out in the music world. Her big break came with the song “Ekwueme,” which she sang with Pastor Prospa Ochimana. The song became a favorite in churches across Nigeria and other countries. She also sang in other popular gospel songs like “Nara Ekele” and “You No Dey Use Me Play.” Even though she became well-known, Osinachi stayed humble and lived a simple life focused on her faith, her family, and worship.
Osinachi was married to Peter Nwachukwu, a pastor and gospel minister. While their union appeared stable from the outside, it was later revealed to be the site of years of severe domestic abuse. According to testimonies from her family, friends, and even her children, Osinachi suffered greatly under the hands of her husband. He reportedly controlled every aspect of her life, her finances, her movements, and even her musical engagements. Many who worked with her noted that he would insist on being present during her performances and allegedly collected her earnings. Her children later testified in court that they had witnessed him physically abusing their mother on multiple occasions.
On April 8, 2022, Osinachi died at the National Hospital in Abuja. Her husband claimed she succumbed to throat cancer, but suspicions from her family led to an investigation. Medical reports and autopsy results revealed that her death was not caused by any illness, but rather by injuries consistent with physical trauma, including a fatal blow to the chest. The police arrested Peter Nwachukwu on April 11, 2022, and charged him with a range of crimes, including culpable homicide, domestic violence, emotional abuse, and child cruelty.
The trial that followed drew national attention. Prosecutors presented evidence, including testimonies from Osinachi’s children, her twin sister Amarachi Eze, and other close associates. The children recounted how their father often beat their mother and warned them not to speak about it. Friends also revealed that Osinachi had confided in them about her fears and suffering but refused to leave the marriage due to her deep religious beliefs and fear of judgement from her church community.
On April 28, 2025, after nearly three years of legal proceedings, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja found Peter Nwachukwu guilty of culpable homicide. Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme sentenced him to death by hanging. Additional sentences were handed down for other charges, including years of imprisonment and monetary fines.
She left behind four children, three boys and one girl, who were all minors at the time of her death. Following their father’s arrest, the children were placed under protective custody and later cared for by extended family. Government officials, religious leaders, and concerned Nigerians offered support in various forms, including educational scholarships and counselling services to help them cope with the trauma they had experienced.
Her story highlighted the dangers of enduring abusive relationships under the guise of religious or societal expectations. The case serves as a reminder of the consequences of unchecked domestic violence and the importance of creating supportive environments where victims can seek help without fear of judgment or reprisal.
Osinachi’s death is not an isolated tragedy. It is part of a much larger crisis. Every day in Nigeria, women and girls suffer and die at the hands of those closest to them. Many of these cases go unreported or are dismissed due to cultural stigma, fear, or lack of legal support. This growing pattern of gender-based violence, particularly femicide which is the killing of women because they are women, demands urgent attention and action.
To help address this crisis, FAME Foundation has been operating a Femicide Tracker. The tracker collects and documents real-time data on cases of femicide across Nigeria. It serves as a tool to raise awareness, influence policy change, and support efforts to end gender-based violence.
Osinachi’s story is a heartbreaking example of a silent cry that went unheard for too long. Through the Femicide Tracker, we are working to ensure that no more voices are silenced and that every woman’s life is protected and respected.
This article, written by Kemisola Ibitoye was originally published by Fame Foundation on 30 April, 2025
