The Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced a 400-level University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) student, Damian Okoligwe, to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Justina Otuene.
Okoligwe, who was studying Petrochemical Engineering at the time of the incident, was found guilty of killing Otuene, a 300-level Biochemistry student, on October 20, 2023, at his residence in Mgbuoba, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
He also dismembered her body, placed the remains in a wheelbarrow and was attempting to dispose of them when he was apprehended.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Chinwe Nsirim-Nwosu ruled that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt all three essential elements required to establish murder against Okoligwe. Justice Nsirim-Nwosu described his actions as intentional, composed, calculated, coordinated and evil, noting that there were no contradictions in the evidence linking him to the crime.
The judge ordered that Okoligwe be hanged until death.
Speaking after the ruling, the prosecution counsel, Charles Mbaba, expressed satisfaction with the judgment, saying it would allow the late Otuene’s soul to find peace. He said the verdict should also serve as a warning to young people seeking quick and unlawful means to achieve success. “Justice has been done and is seen and felt to be done in respect of Justina Otuene. Justina was the only daughter of her parents but was gruesomely murdered by Damian Okoligwe in circumstances suggestive of ritual intentions.
Today, the court has pronounced him guilty of the murder of Justina Otuene. We hope and believe that with this judgment, the soul of Justina can now have a peaceful repose. I also believe that this judgment will serve as a deterrent to youths who believe shortcuts in life are the only means to get rich quick,” he said.
Also speaking, the deceased’s elder brother, Osatawaji Otuene, said his family felt relieved by the judgment, describing it as a source of comfort following their loss.
