University Of Port Harcourt Student Sentenced To Death For Brutal Killing Of Girlfriend Shocking Campus And Community Alike

 

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has delivered a landmark judgment, sentencing Damian Okoligwe, a 400-level Petrochemical Engineering student at the University of Port Harcourt, to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Justina Otuene, a 300-level Biochemistry student. The verdict, handed down on Friday by Justice Chiwen Nsirim Nwosu, followed months of investigation and legal proceedings that captivated both the university and the wider community.

Okoligwe, aged 26, was found guilty of committing the horrific crime at his residence in October 2023. Evidence presented during the trial established beyond reasonable doubt that he was directly responsible for the young woman’s death. The prosecution, led by Charles Obediah-Mbaba, emphasized that the murder was deliberate and carried out in circumstances suggestive of ritualistic intent.

Authorities revealed that neighbors first raised alarms after noticing a foul odor emanating from Okoligwe’s room. When officers from the Ozuoba Police Division forced entry, they discovered Justina’s dismembered body concealed in a Ghana-must-go bag. Investigators reported that the act appeared motivated by monetary gain, a chilling detail that amplified the case’s public resonance.

The trial began in May 2024, two months after the Rivers State Government assumed control of the case. Initially handled by a Magistrate Court, the matter was later referred to the Department of Public Prosecution for further legal advice following an order by Chief Magistrate Nnenda Obiageri Onugbum in November 2023. Court proceedings revealed that Okoligwe initially denied involvement, claiming he found Justina lifeless upon waking and alleged that he returned after three days to dispose of the body. He also denied removing any organs, insisting that her remains were intact.

Following the judgment, prosecuting counsel Obediah Charles Mbaba commended the court, stating that justice had been not only served but also seen to be served. He emphasized that the ruling could serve as a deterrent to youths tempted by shortcuts to wealth, stressing that the law must prevail over violent ambitions.

Osat-Awaji Otuene, elder brother of the late Justina, expressed relief at the outcome, describing the judgment as thorough, well-coordinated, and deserved. He highlighted that the ruling provides a measure of comfort to the family and affirmed that his sister’s death would not be in vain. The defense counsel declined to comment following the verdict.

The case has left a lasting mark on the University of Port Harcourt community, prompting renewed discussions about student safety, justice, and the importance of vigilance against violent criminal acts. Legal experts have noted that the judgment underscores the commitment of the Rivers State judiciary to uphold the rule of law and deliver decisive verdicts in serious criminal cases.