UNIPORT student to die by hanging for killing girlfriend
The family of the late University of Port Harcourt student, Justina Otuene, on Friday expressed relief after a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt sentenced her boyfriend, Damian Okoligwe, to death by hanging for her murder.
Okoligwe, a 400-level Petrochemical Engineering student of UNIPORT, killed Justina, a 300-level Biochemistry student on October 20, 2023, at his apartment in Mgbuoba, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
After murdering her, he dismembered her body, dumped the remains inside a wheelbarrow and was about to dispose of them when he was arrested.
In her ruling, the trial judge on Friday, Justice Chinwe Nsirim-Nwosu, held that the prosecution had proven the three ingredients of murder beyond reasonable doubt.
She described Okoligwe’s conduct as “intentional, composed, calculated, coordinated and evil,” adding that there was no contradiction in the evidence before the court.
Justice Nsirim-Nwosu ordered that the convict “be hanged on the neck until he is confirmed dead.”
While the defence counsel declined comment, Justina’s elder brother, Osatawaji Otuene, said the family welcomed the judgment.
“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,” he said.
Speaking outside the courtroom, the prosecution counsel, Charles Mbaba, expressed satisfaction with the judgment.
He said the verdict would bring relief to the deceased’s family and serve as justice for Justina.
“Justice has been done and 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. We believe that with this judgment, the soul of Justina can now have a peaceful repose,” Mbaba said.
He added that the ruling should also serve as a deterrent to young people “who believe that shortcuts in life are the only means to get rich quick.”
Credit – punch
