UNIPORT Student Sentenced To Death For Girlfriend’s Murder In Rivers

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has sentenced a 400-level student of the University of Port Harcourt to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend.

According to court records, the incident occurred on October 20, 2023, inside the apartment of the convict, Damian Okoligwe, in Mgbuosimini, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area.

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Prosecutors told the court Okoligwe not only killed his victim, Justina Otuene, a 300-level Biochemistry student of the same institution, but also dismembered her body and placed the parts in a wheelbarrow in an attempt to dispose of them before he was apprehended.

In a detailed judgment, the trial judge, Justice Chinwe Nsirirm-Nwosu, ruled that the prosecution had proven all elements of the murder charge beyond a reasonable doubt.

The judge described Okoligwe’s actions as “intentional, calculated, and chillingly coordinated,” noting that testimonies from witnesses and exhibits tendered in court “left no room for contradiction”.

Justice Nsirirm-Nwosu subsequently pronounced the sentence, ordering that Okoligwe “be hanged by the neck until confirmed dead”.

Outside the courtroom, the prosecution counsel, Charles Mbaba, welcomed the verdict, saying it represented justice not only for Justina but also for her grieving family.

He expressed confidence that the judgment would serve as a strong deterrent to others.

“Justice has not only been done, but has been seen to have been done in respect of the gruesome murder of Justina Otuene.”

“Justina was the only daughter of her parents, but was gruesomely murdered by Desmond Okoligwe in circumstances suggestive of ritual intentions.

“Today the court has pronounced him guilty of the murder of Justina; we only hope that the soul of Justina can have peaceful repose,” he added.

Speaking further, the lawyer said, “I believe that this judgment will serve as a deterrent to youths who believe that shortcuts in life are the only means to get rich as quickly as possible.”

While counsel for the convict declined to comment, members of the victim’s family reacted to the ruling with a mix of relief and sorrow.

Justina’s brother, Osatawaji Otuene, said the family finally feels a measure of closure after months of emotional anguish.

“It was a very detailed judgment, and I really want to commend the judge. Everything was well coordinated in court today, and I’m really glad we had the correct judgment.

“It’s a relief that my sister didn’t just die for nothing, so the judgment has been given, and the judgment was deserved, so it’s a relief to the family,” he said.

The case, which sparked outrage both within and outside the university, is one of the high-profile murder trials in the state in recent years.