On Monday, the alleged culpable homicide case against Peter Nwachukwu, the late Gospel singer Osinachi's spouse, was stood aside in order for his attorneys to align themselves to represent him in a Federal Capital Territory High Court.
When the issue before Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme came up for hearing, the Prosecution Counsel, Aderonke Imana, notified the court that it was up for hearing and that they were prepared to start.
A. Ogbonna also proclaimed his presence by observing the nominal complainant's briefs. Victor Abakpa, the defendant's lawyer at his arraignment, requested that the case be adjourned until Tuesday because another lawyer from a different chamber had just notified him that he would be taking over the case.
He also alleged that he was served with more proof of evidence in the court immediately before the day's proceedings began.
On behalf of the defendant, I.A Aliyu informed the court that on June 18, he was instructed by the defendant to take over the case. As a result, the court rescheduled the hearing for 11 a.m. to allow attorneys to properly align themselves and appear before the court.
Family members of the deceased singer, Osinachi, were in court on Monday, according to the Nigerian News Agency (NAN).
Her two daughters, mother, and twin sister were among the family members that stood out.
The case, which had been postponed until June 16, could not proceed owing to the judge's absence.
On June 3, the defendant was arraigned and remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre after pleading not guilty to the alleged homicide allegation brought against him by the Attorney-General of the Federation.
As a result, Nwachukwu was remanded in custody pending the outcome of the 23-count accusation of domestic abuse and homicide filed against him.
He was apprehended by Nigerian police after his wife died on April 8, allegedly as a result of his battering her, according to their children, relatives, and coworkers.
The offense Nwachukwu reportedly committed violates 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, according to the allegation.
"That you Peter Nwachukwu, 56, male, did commit an offence to with: culpable homicide punishable with death in that you caused the death of Osinachi on the 8th of April at Aco Estate, opposite Police Station, Lugbe, Abuja, FCT, within the jurisdiction of this court, on the 8th of April at Aco Estate, opposite Police Station, Lugbe, Abuja, FCT, within the jurisdiction of this court, on the 8th of
"This was brought about by your multiple acts of violence and aggravated assault with the knowing that her death was a likely result of your actions.
"Specifics of the offence: That you, Peter Nwachukwu, male, did commit an offence to wit: emotional, verbal, and psychological abuse on Mrs Osinachi Nwachukwu, sometime between November 14, 2009, and April 20, 2022, at Aco Estate, opposite Police Station, Lugbe, Abuja, FCT, within the jurisdiction of this court, sometime between November 14, 2009, and April 20, 2022, at Aco Estate, opposite Police Station, Lugbe (deceased).