Court Sentences UNIPORT Student to Death for Killing, Dismembering Girlfriend

Court Sentences UNIPORT Student to Death for Killing, Dismembering Girlfriend

A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has convicted UNIPORT 400-level Petrochemical Engineering student, Damain Okoligwe, for the murder of his girlfriend, Justina Otuene, a 300-level Biochemistry student of the same university. The court subsequently sentenced him to death by hanging.

Okoligwe murdered and dismembered Otuene on October 20, 2023, at his residence in Mgbuoba, located in the Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State. He was arrested after attempting to dispose of her dismembered body, which had been packed in a wheelbarrow.

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Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Chinwe Nsirim-Nwosu ruled that the prosecution had proven the three essential elements of murder beyond reasonable doubt. The judge described Okoligwe’s actions as “intentional, calculated, coordinated, and evil,” adding that the evidence presented in court was consistent and unchallenged.

Justice Nsirim-Nwosu ordered that Okoligwe be hanged by the neck until confirmed dead, as prescribed by law.

Speaking after the verdict, state prosecutor Charles Mbaba expressed satisfaction with the judgment, saying it would bring a measure of peace to the family of the deceased. He added that the ruling should serve as a deterrent to young people seeking “shortcuts” to survival.

The case has drawn significant public attention, with many calling for justice for Justina Otuene and stronger measures to curb gender-based violence.

Court Sentences UNIPORT Student to Death for Killing, Dismembering Girlfriend