A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced Damian Okoligwe, a 400-level undergraduate at the University of Port Harcourt, to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Justina Otuene.
On October 20, 2023, Okoligwe, a UNIPORT Petrochemical Engineering student, murdered Otuene, a 300-level Biochemistry student, at his apartment in Mgbuoba, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.
He also dismembered her body, placed it in a wheelbarrow, and was about to dispose of the remnants when he was apprehended.
On Friday, the trial judge, Justice Chinwe Nsirim-Nwosu, ruled that the prosecution proved beyond a reasonable doubt the three elements of a murder case against Okoligwe.
Okoligwe’s actions were defined as planned, composed, calculated, coordinated, and diabolical by Justice Nsirim-Nwosu, who also stated that there was no contradiction in the evidence demonstrating that he committed the crime.
The judge ordered that Okoligwe be hanged till death.
Speaking outside the courthouse, the prosecution’s Charles Mbaba expressed delight with the verdict, saying it will allow the late Otuene’s soul to rest in peace.
Mbaba noted that the decision would act as a deterrent to young people who believe that shortcuts are the best way to succeed.
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.”
While the defense lawyer declined to comment on the finding, the deceased’s elder brother, Osatawaji Otuene, stated that his family is pleased with the decision, which gives relief.
Osatawaji stated, “I feel good. It was a very detailed and well-structured judgment. I really want to commend the judge. It is a relief because at least it is certain that my sister didn’t die for nothing. So it is a relief to the family.”
