The Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced a 400-level undergraduate student of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Damian Okoligwe, to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Justina Otuene
Okoligwe, a student of Petrochemical Engineering at the time the incident, was found guilty of killing Otuene, a 300-level Biochemistry student of the same institution, on October 20, 2023, at his apartment in Mgbuoba, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
He also dismembered her body, dumped it inside a wheelbarrow, and was about to dispose of the remains when he was arrested.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Chinwe Nsirim-Nwosu, held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt the three essential elements required to establish murder case against Okoligwe.
Justice Nsirim-Nwosu described Okoligwe’s actions as intentional, composed, calculated, coordinated, and evil, adding that there was no contradiction in the evidence, proving that he committed the crime.
The judge ordered that Okoligwe should be hanged until death. Speaking after the judgement, the prosecution counsel, Charles Mbaba, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the judgment, saying it would allow the soul of the late Otuene to rest in peace.
He stated that the judgment would serve as a deterrent to young people inclined to seeking quick and unlawful means to achieve success.
He said: “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.”
Also Speaking, the deceased’s elder brother, Osatawaji Otuene, said his family was relieved by the ruling, describing it as a source of comfort after the loss.
