A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has sentenced a 400-level Petrochemical Engineering student of the University of Port Harcourt, Damian Okoligwe, to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Justina Otuene, a 300-level Biochemistry student at the same institution.
Justice Chiwen Nsirim Nwosu delivered the judgment on Friday, ruling that the prosecution—led by Charles Obediah-Mbaba—successfully proved beyond reasonable doubt that Okoligwe was responsible for Justina’s gruesome death in October 2023 at his residence.
The court held that the evidence presented clearly established that Justina’s death was the direct result of Okoligwe’s actions.
Shocking Discovery and Arrest
Okoligwe was apprehended in 2023 after neighbours raised suspicion over his attempt to dispose of Justina’s remains.
Officers from the Ozuoba Police Division forced their way into his residence, where they discovered a Ghana-must-go bag containing the dismembered body of the young woman. Security operatives alleged that he killed her for ritual purposes.
The Rivers State Government assumed control of the prosecution, officially commencing the murder trial in May 2024.
Suspect’s Earlier Claims
During a 2023 media briefing at the Rivers State Police Command, Okoligwe denied murdering his girlfriend. He claimed he had been ill when she came to visit and awoke to find her dead.
He further stated that he left for his brother’s house to seek treatment and returned days later to dispose of her body—insisting that she was not mutilated.
Reactions After the Verdict
Speaking after the judgment, prosecuting counsel Obediah Charles Mbaba commended the court for delivering justice in a case he described as “gruesome and heartbreaking.”
“Justice has not only been done, it has been seen and felt to be done,” he said, noting that Justina was the only daughter of her parents. “We believe this judgment will serve as a deterrent to young people who think shortcuts are the quickest path to wealth.”
He added that the ruling should help the family find some peace.
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Justina’s elder brother, Osat-Awaji Otuene, also welcomed the judgment, describing it as fair and well-deserved.
“I feel relieved and calm. The judgment was thorough and well delivered. My sister did not die in vain,” he said, expressing gratitude for the court’s handling of the case.
