Court sentences UNIPORT student to death for murder of girlfriend

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has sentenced a 400-level University of Port Harcourt student, Damian Okoligwe, to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Justina Otuene.

Okoligwe, a Petrochemical Engineering student, killed Otuene, a 300-level Biochemistry undergraduate, on October 20, 2023, at his residence in Mgbuoba, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.

He was arrested after dismembering her body and attempting to dispose of the remains in a wheelbarrow.

Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Chinwe Nsirim-Nwosu ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, describing Okoligwe’s actions as “intentional, composed, calculated, coordinated, and evil.” The judge ordered that he be hanged until death.

Outside the courtroom, prosecution counsel Charles Mbaba welcomed the ruling, noting that it would bring some comfort to the victim’s family and serve as a warning to youths seeking shortcuts to wealth.

“Justina was the only daughter of her parents and was gruesomely murdered in circumstances suggestive of ritual intentions,” Mbaba said. “We believe her soul can now rest in peace.”

The deceased’s elder brother, Osatawaji Otuene, also expressed relief, commending the court for delivering what he described as a “well-structured judgment.”

“It is a relief because at least it is certain that my sister didn’t die for nothing,” he added.

The defence team declined to comment on the verdict.