UNIPORT student sentenced to death for murdering girlfriend
By Jeffrey Agbo
A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt on Friday found Damian Okoligwe, a 400-level student of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), guilty of killing his girlfriend, Justina Otuene, and has sentenced him to death by hanging.
Okoligwe, a Petrochemical Engineering student, was convicted for the gruesome murder of Otuene, a 300-level Biochemistry undergraduate, committed on October 20, 2023, at his residence in Mgbuoba, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.
Investigations revealed that after killing her, Okoligwe dismembered Otuene’s body and placed the remains in a wheelbarrow in an attempt to secretly dispose of them before law enforcement apprehended him.
Justice Chinwe Nsirim-Nwosu held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt the three ingredients of a 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 directed that Okoligwe should be hanged until death.
Speaking outside the courtroom, the prosecution, Charles Mbaba, expressed satisfaction with the judgment, saying it would allow the soul of the late Otuene to rest in peace.
Mbaba added that the judgment would serve as a deterrent to young people who think 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 defence counsel declined to comment on the judgment, the deceased’s elder brother, Osatawaji Otuene, said his family is happy with the ruling, adding that it provides 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.”
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