A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced 26-year-old Damian Okoligwe, a 400-level Petrochemical Engineering student of the University of Port Harcourt, to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, 300-level Biochemistry student Justina Otuene.
Okoligwe was found guilty of killing Justina in October 2023 at his residence. Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Chiwen Nsirim Nwosu ruled that the prosecution, led by Charles Obediah-Mbaba, proved beyond reasonable doubt that Okoligwe was responsible for her death.
He was arrested in 2023 after neighbours alerted the police upon noticing a foul odour coming from his room. Officers forced the door open and discovered a Ghana-must-go bag containing the dismembered remains of Justina, whom he was allegedly attempting to dispose of.
The case, initially handled by a Magistrate Court, was transferred to the Department of Public Prosecution in November 2023 and the murder trial began in May 2024 after the Rivers State Government took over the matter.
During a 2023 interview at the Rivers State Police Command, Okoligwe denied killing Justina, claiming he had been ill when she visited and later found her lifeless. He alleged he left for treatment at his brother’s house and returned three days later to dispose of her body. He also denied claims of organ removal.
Following the judgment, prosecuting counsel Obediah Charles Mbaba commended the court, stating that “justice has not only been done, but seen and felt to be done, in respect to the gruesome murder of Justina Otuene.” He added that the ruling should serve as a deterrent to youths seeking wealth through unlawful means.
Justina’s elder brother, Osat-Awaji Otuene, welcomed the decision, describing the judgment as detailed and well delivered. He said it brings some relief to the family, noting that “it’s certain that my sister didn’t just die for nothing.”
The defence counsel declined to comment.
