Osinachi Nwachukwu: Court Restrains Journalists From Witnessing Children's Testimonies

Journalists were on Friday blocked by a Federal Capital Territory High Court, Wuse Zone 2 from witnessing the testimonies of the children of the gospel singer Osinachi Nwachukwu on the death of their mother.

The court had on June 22 approved three oral applications made by the prosecution counsel of the case, Aderonke Imana during the court hearing of the alleged homicide case against the late singer's husband, Osinachi Nwachukwu. 

The three oral applications made by Imana include:

The first application was made in line with the provision of sections 156 and 158 of the Child Rights Act which said other than the parties in the matter, the court officials, correctional staff and the witness’ guardians should not be allowed in the court when the witnesses give their testimonies.

The second was pursuant to Imana section 160 of the Child Rights Act and section 209 of the Evidence Act which sought that the court allows the other two witnesses, who are the deceased children, being minors to give unsworn evidence as Pw3 and Pw4.

The third application was made according to sections 1, 2 (1) and 157 of the Child Rights Act which say the court should allow the witnesses to be brought to the court blindfolded and for their faces to be shielded.

Justice Njideka Nwosu-Iheme, the judge of the case had granted the three requests owing to the agreement by the defendant’s counsel I.A Aliyu. 

The judge maintained that the applications were important for the safety of the children which must be looked into during the court proceeding.

The mother and two sisters of the deceased had reportedly given their testimonies on June 21 and 22 as chief, Pw1 and Pw2.

Peter Nwachukwu was on June 3 remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre after pleading not guilty to the 23-count alleged domestic violence and homicide charge filed against him by the Attorney-General of the Federation.

The defendant was arrested for the death of his wife on April 8 after accusations by the late 'Ekwueme' singer's family and others.