Dare Babalola
Damian Okoligwe, a final-year Petrochemical Engineering student at University of Port Harcourt (UniPort), has been convicted and sentenced to death by hanging by a Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt for killing his girlfriend, Justina Otuene, a 300-level Biochemistry undergraduate at the same institution.
Okoligwe, now 26, was found guilty of killing Justina in October 2023 at his residence.
On Friday, Justice Chiwen Nsirim Nwosu pronounced judgment, stating the prosecution led by Charles Obediah-Mbaba had proven beyond reasonable doubt that Okoligwe committed the murder. The court ruled Justina’s death stemmed directly from his acts.
Okoligwe was arrested in 2023 after neighbours alerted authorities to his attempt to dispose of Justina’s body; he allegedly killed her for money ritual purposes. A neighbour had reported a foul odour from his room to the Ozuoba Police Division, prompting officers to force the door open, where they discovered a Ghana-must-go bag containing Justina Otuene’s dismembered body.
The murder trial commenced in May 2024, two months after the Rivers State Government took over the case. It had initially been before a Magistrate Court in Port Harcourt, but in November 2023, Chief Magistrate Nnenda Obiageri Onugbum ordered that the case file be transferred to the Department of Public Prosecution, DPP, for legal advice.
In a 2023 interview at the Rivers State Police Command Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Okoligwe denied the allegations. He claimed Justina had visited while he was ill, and he discovered her lifeless when he awoke. Okoligwe alleged he then sought treatment at his brother’s house and returned three days later intending to dispose of her body. He denied removing organs, insisting her remains were intact.
Speaking after the judgment, prosecuting counsel Obediah Charles Mbaba praised the court for ensuring justice, saying, “Justice has not only been done, but seen and felt to be done, in respect to the gruesome murder of Justina Otuene.
“Justina was the only daughter of her parents, but was gruesomely murdered by Damian Okoligwe in circumstances suggestive of ritual intention. Today the court has pronounced him guilty of the murder of Justina Otuene.
“We only hope and believe that with this judgement, the souls of Justina can now have a peaceful repose.”
He added, “I also believe that this judgement will serve as a deterrent to youths who believe that short cut in life is the only means to get rich as quickly as possible.
“This judgement will be a pointer and a lesson to the youths to work hard and abide by the laws of the land.”
Osat-Awaji Otuene, elder brother of the late Justina, said the judgment was well-deserved and brings some comfort to the family.
“I feel good, I feel calm about the whole situation. It was a very detailed judgement, very well structured. I really want to commend the judge, Justice Nsirim.
“Everything was well coordinated in court today. So, I’m really glad that we had the correct and the right judgement for the case.”
He added, “It’s a relief, and it’s certain that my sister didn’t just die for nothing. So, the judgement has been given and the judgement was deserved. Of course it is a relief to the family.”
Meanwhile, the defence lawyer declined to comment.
