UniPort Student Sentenced to Death for Girlfriend’s Murder

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced Damian Okoligwe, a 400-level Petrochemical Engineering student at the University of Port Harcourt (UniPort), to death by hanging. The conviction is for the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Justina Otuene, a 300-level Biochemistry student at the same institution.

Okoligwe, now twenty-six years old, was found guilty of killing Justina in October 2023 at his residence. The prosecution successfully established that the murder was carried out under circumstances suggestive of ritual intentions.

Delivering the judgment on Friday, Justice Chiwen Nsirim Nwosu ruled that the prosecution, led by Charles Obediah-Mbaba, had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. The court unequivocally established that Okoligwe committed the crime and that Justina’s death resulted directly from his actions.

Okoligwe’s initial arrest occurred in 2023 after concerned neighbors raised an alarm. Police intervention followed a report of a foul odor emanating from his room, leading officers to force the door open. They discovered a Ghana-must-go bag containing Justina Otuene’s dismembered body.

The murder trial officially commenced in May 2024, shortly after the Rivers State Government took over the complex case from the Magistrate Court. The case file had been transferred to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) in November 2023 for legal advice.

During an earlier interview with journalists at the Rivers State Police Command Headquarters, Okoligwe had denied the allegations. He claimed he was ill when Justina visited and only found her lifeless upon waking up. He alleged he returned three days later to dispose of the body, denying removing any organs.

Speaking after the court proceedings, prosecuting counsel Obediah Charles Mbaba praised the court for ensuring justice, stating: “Justice has not only been done, but seen and felt to be done.” He added that the judgement would allow the soul of Justina, who was the only daughter of her parents, to have “a peaceful repose.”

Mbaba also expressed hope that the judgment would serve as a severe deterrent to youths who believe that taking a shortcut in life is the only means to get rich quickly. He urged young people to work hard and strictly abide by the laws of the land.

Osat-Awaji Otuene, the elder brother of the late Justina, welcomed the decision, stating the judgment was well-deserved and brought a measure of comfort to the grieving family. He commended Justice Nsirim Nwosu for delivering a “very detailed judgement, very well structured.”

“It’s a relief, and it’s certain that my sister didn’t just die for nothing,” Osat-Awaji said, adding that the verdict brings a necessary sense of closure to the family. Meanwhile, the defense lawyer for the convicted student declined to offer any comment to the press.