A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has sentenced Damian Okoligwe, a 400-level University of Port Harcourt student, to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Justina Otuene.
Okoligwe, a Petrochemical Engineering student, killed Otuene a 300-level Biochemistry student on October 20, 2023, at his residence in Mgbuoba, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.
He later dismembered her body and concealed the remains in a wheelbarrow before he was arrested.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Chinwe Nsirim-Nwosu said the prosecution had proved the elements of murder beyond reasonable doubt.
The judge described Okoligwe’s conduct as “intentional, composed, calculated, coordinated and evil,” noting that the evidence was consistent and unambiguous.
She subsequently ordered that the convict be hanged until death.
Outside the courtroom, prosecution counsel Charles Mbaba welcomed the verdict, saying it offered justice to the victim and her family.
“Justice has been done and is seen to be done in respect of Justina Otuene,” he said. “Justina was the only daughter of her parents and was gruesomely murdered under circumstances suggestive of ritual intentions. We believe this judgment will give her soul peaceful repose and serve as a deterrent to youths who believe shortcuts are the best way to get rich.”
While defence counsel declined to comment, the victim’s elder brother, Osatawaji Otuene, said the ruling brought comfort to the family.
“It was a very detailed and well-structured judgment,” he said. “It is a relief because at least it is certain that my sister did not die for nothing.”
