** A historical condemnation in Nigeria: between justice and feminicide **
The verdict pronounced by the upper haute of Abuja, condemning Peter Nwachukwu, the husband of the singer of Gospel Osinachi Nwachukwu, to the death penalty by hanging, marks a significant stage in the fight against violence against women in Nigeria. This decision, which has aroused strong reactions, appears to be an response to an urgent need for justice in a country where domestic violence is often minimized.
Osinachi Nwachukwu, recognized internationally for her title “Ekuweme”, died in April 2022, leaving behind an indelible trace in the hearts of her admirers and a palpable family tragedy. The circumstances surrounding his death revealed history of domestic violence. These violence, often covered by silence and shame, have been the subject of increased attention thanks to the commitment of women’s rights organizations, such as Dohs Cares and Wacol.
The analysis of the context which led to this judicial decision reveals the complexity of gender relations and the normalization of abuses. The lawyer Joy Ezeilo, at the head of Wacol, stresses that this judgment could create a precedent, encouraging the victims to denounce the abuses and the authorities to take more stringent measures against the perpetrators of violence. However, the question of the reclassification of female homicide raises questions about the systematic recognition of power dynamics underlying these violence.
The Dohs Cares Foundation has also pointed out a major problem: persistent misogyny that fuels such behaviors. According to Ololade Ajayi, rivalry and male domination remain roots of domestic violence, settled through a deeply anchored patriarchal culture. This observation highlights the need to make society aware of the psychological and physical impacts of violence, and to educate the young generations on the notions of respect and equality.
It is also relevant to reflect on the effectiveness of capital penalties in a context where their application is rare. Nigeria, which records a low rate of actual executions despite the rigor of its laws, must wonder if the death penalty is truly a solution to dissuade acts of violence. An approach focused on rehabilitation and prevention could be more effective in the long term.
Thus, the story of Osinachi Nwachukwu transcends its own story. It illustrates the enormous challenges encountered by women victims of violence in Nigeria and highlights the need for deep cultural change. The fight against violence against women should not only be limited to legal measures, but must also go through a transformation of mentalities and a re -evaluation of social norms which perpetuate inequality and pain.
In short, this condemnation could be perceived not only as a victory for justice, but as an appeal to a broader reflection on the way in which society can approach and deal with the issue of domestic violence. The future of women’s rights initiatives will depend on how women, like Osinachi, will be listened to and protected, not only in legal bodies, but also in their daily lives.