The tributes roll in for Osinachi Nwachukwu

Popular gospel singer, Osinachi Nwachukwu has died following admission to a hospital in Abuja, Nigeria.  She is survived by her husband, Peter Nwachukwu a pastor and 4 children.

There were a number of rumours swirling around following Osinachi’s admission to the hospital including one saying that she had been afflicted with cancer that affected her throat. In the end, it transpired that she had died from blood clots in her chest following persistent domestic abuse by her husband Peter Nwachukwu.

Osinachi is reported to have left her abusive marriage only to reconcile with her husband and return. Friends, family members and colleagues begged her to leave the abusive union but she refused to because of her Christian faith.

According to reports, Peter Nwachukwu is reported to have married and had one child. When the marriage did not work out, he married Osinachi without ever telling her or her family about the previous family. If this is correct, then he was a bigamist and his marriage to Osinachi was not recognised by the law or the church meaning that Osinachi would have been within her rights to leave the marriage. She could simply have walked away.

Osinachi’s death has sparked a debate in Nigeria about domestic abuse with many speaking out against it and urging women enduring abusive relationships to leave. This marks a sea change in Nigeria, a country in which women’s rights have never been a the forefront. Could a change be on the horizon? We will see.

Peter Nwachukwu has been arrested and taken into custody by the police. Hopefully there will be justice for Osinachi.

May Osinachi’s soul rest in perfect peace and her children, family, friends, fans and loved ones be comforted.