Court sentences university’s student to death for killing girlfriend

A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has condemned a 400-level Petrochemical Engineering student of the University of Port Harcourt, Damian Okoligwe, to death for the murder of his girlfriend, 300-level Biochemistry student Justina Otuene.

Delivering the verdict on Friday, Justice Chiwen Nsirim Nwosu ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, establishing that Okoligwe intentionally caused the death of the 20-year-old, who was her parents’ only daughter.

The court heard that Okoligwe, now 26, killed Justina in October 2023 at his residence. Her remains were later discovered stuffed in a ‘Ghana-must-go’ bag after neighbours reported a foul odour coming from the apartment, leading to his arrest and eventual arraignment.

The Rivers State Government took over the case in May 2024, initiating a trial that followed months of preliminary legal processes. The matter had earlier been before a Magistrate Court until Chief Magistrate Nnenda Obiageri Onugbum, in November 2023, ordered the file forwarded to the Department of Public Prosecutions for further action.

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Although the full judgement details were still pending, prosecuting counsel Charles Obediah-Mbaba welcomed the decision.

Speaking to journalists after the ruling, he said, “Justice has not only been done but has been seen and felt to be done in respect of the gruesome murder of Justina Otuene.”

He added, “We hope that with this judgement, her soul can now rest, and that it serves as a deterrent to youths who believe shortcuts are the path to wealth.”

Describing the killing as “gruesome” and “suggestive of ritual intentions,” he commended the court for bringing closure to the matter.

Osat-Awaji Otuene, the elder brother of the victim, said the family feels some comfort knowing justice has finally been delivered.

Okoligwe’s conviction joins a series of recent high-profile murder cases in Rivers State, including those involving a student, a self-styled pastor and a Chinese national, all sentenced to death for killing their partners.

The judgement closes a case that triggered widespread outrage and reignited public concern over the rise in intimate-partner violence across Nigeria.