UNIPORT STUDENT SENTENCED TO DEATH BY HANGING FOR GIRLFRIEND’S MURDER

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has sentenced Damian Okoligwe, a 400-level Petrochemical Engineering student of the University of Port Harcourt, to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Justina Otuene. Justice Chiwen Nsirim Nwosu delivered the judgment, stating that the prosecution, led by Obadiah-Mbaba, proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Okoligwe was convicted of killing Otuene, a 300-level Biochemistry student at the same university, in his residence in October 2023. The prosecution argued that the murder was committed with ritual intentions to achieve quick wealth. The court ruled that Otuene’s death was a direct result of Okoligwe’s actions.

The crime was discovered after neighbours reported a foul odour to the Ozuoba Police Division. Police officers forced open the door to Okoligwe’s room and found a ‘Ghana-must-go’ bag containing Otuene’s dismembered body. Okoligwe was arrested while attempting to dispose of the remains.

Following his arrest in 2023, Okoligwe denied the murder allegations, claiming he had been ill and found Otuene dead when he woke up. He stated that he left for his brother’s house for treatment and returned three days later to dispose of the body, denying he removed any of her organs.

The trial began in May 2024 after the Rivers State Government took over the case, which had initially been referred to the Department of Public Prosecution by a Magistrate Court in November 2023.

After the judgment, prosecuting lawyer Obadiah-Mbaba hailed the court’s decision, stating, “Justice has not only been done, but seen and felt to be done, in respect to the gruesome murder of Justina Otuene.” He expressed hope that the ruling would serve as a deterrent to youths seeking shortcuts to wealth.

Osat-Awaji Otuene, the elder brother of the deceased, praised the judgment as a relief to the family. He said, “It’s a relief, and it’s certain that my sister didn’t just die for nothing. So, the judgment has been given and the judgment was deserved.” The defence lawyer offered no comment on the verdict.