Peter Nwachukwu, husband of the late gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu, broke down in tears on Tuesday at the FCT High Court while his wife’s twin sister Amarachi Ezeh was testifying against him.
Mr Nwachukwu is standing trial on a 23-count charge bordering on domestic violence and homicide instituted against him.
The defendant is accused of being responsible for the death of the late gospel singer who was popularly known for her song ‘Ekwueme’.
During cross-examination, the defendant’s counsel, I.A. Aliyu, asked the witness if she ever made any attempt to find out her sister’s medical condition from the doctors.
The witness said that she never did because the defendant stopped the family from doing so.
Ezeh shed tears while giving her testimony and at a point, Nwachukwu too wept.
Earlier, the prosecution counsel Aderonke Imana made three oral applications.
The first application prayed the court to rule that persons, other than the parties in the matter, the court officials, correctional service staff and the witness’ guardians, should not be allowed in court when it was time for Osinachi’s two children to give their testimonies.
The second application prayed the court to allow the children to give unsworn evidence.
The final application brought pursuant to section 1, 2 (1) and 157 of the Child Rights Act urged the court to allow the witnesses to be brought to the court blindfolded and their faces to be shielded.
Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme granted them in the interests of the minors.
