UniPort Final-Year Student Sentenced to Death For Killing Girlfriend

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has sentenced a 400-level Petrochemical Engineering student of the University of Port Harcourt, Damian Okoligwe, to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, 300-level Biochemistry student, Justina Otuene.

Okoligwe, now 26, was convicted of killing Justina in October 2023 at his off-campus residence. 

His arrest followed reports from neighbours who noticed a foul odour and alerted the Ozuoba Police Division.

Justice Chiwen Nsirim Nwosu, while delivering judgment on Friday, held that the prosecution, led by Charles Obediah-Mbaba, proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and established that Justina died as a direct result of Okoligwe’s actions.

Police officers had forced open the suspect’s door and discovered a Ghana-must-go bag containing the dismembered body of the victim. 

Investigators alleged the killing was linked to ritual motives.

The trial began in May 2024 after the Rivers State Government took over the case. 

It was initially heard at a Magistrate Court before Chief Magistrate Nnenda Obiageri Onugbum transferred the file to the Department of Public Prosecution for advice in November 2023.

During an earlier interview with journalists at the Rivers State Police Command, Okoligwe denied killing Justina. 

He claimed he was ill when she visited and said he found her dead after waking up. He further alleged he had gone to his brother’s house for treatment and returned days later to dispose of her remains, insisting no body parts were removed.

After the judgment, prosecuting counsel Obediah-Mbaba commended the court for delivering justice, saying, “Justice has not only been done, but seen and felt to be done, in respect to the gruesome murder of Justina Otuene.

“Justina was the only daughter of her parents, but was gruesomely murdered by Damian Okoligwe in circumstances suggestive of ritual intention. Today the court has pronounced him guilty of the murder of Justina Otuene.

“We only hope and believe that with this judgement, the souls of Justina can now have a peaceful repose.”

He added, “I also believe that this judgement will serve as a deterrent to youths who believe that short cut in life is the only means to get rich as quickly as possible.

“This judgement will be a pointer and a lesson to the youths to work hard and abide by the laws of the land.”

Speaking on behalf of the family, Justina’s elder brother, Osat-Awaji Otuene, said the verdict brings a measure of relief. 

“I feel good, I feel calm about the whole situation. It was a very detailed judgement, very well structured. I really want to commend the judge, Justice Nsirim.

“Everything was well coordinated in court today. So, I’m really glad that we had the correct and the right judgement for the case.”

He added, “It’s a relief, and it’s certain that my sister didn’t just die for nothing. So, the judgement has been given and the judgement was deserved. Of course it is a relief to the family.”

The defence counsel declined to comment on the ruling.