Damian Okoligwe a 400-level Petrochemical Engineering student at the University of Port Harcourt is to die by hanging for the 2023 murder of fellow student and girlfriend Justina Otuene.
A High Court sitting in Port Harcourt handed down the sentence Friday, saying Okoligwe plotted the cold-blooded murder of Otuene a 300-level Biochemistry student a crime that rattled the country.
Okoligwe, killed Otuene and dismembered her body on October 20, 2023, at his apartment in Mgbuoba, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of the state. He was arrested while trying to dispose of Otuene’s remains.
According to presiding judge, Justice Chinwe Nsirim-Nwosu, held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt the three ingredients of a murder case against Okoligwe.
Justice Nsirim-Nwosu described Okoligwe’s actions as intentional, composed, calculated, coordinated, and evil, adding that there was no contradiction in the evidence, proving that he committed the crime.
Speaking outside the courtroom, the prosecution, Charles Mbaba, expressed satisfaction with the judgment, saying it would allow the soul of the late Otuene to rest in peace.
Mbaba added that the judgment would serve as a deterrent to young people who think shortcuts are the best way to succeed.
He said, “Justice has been done and is seen and felt to be done in respect of Justina Otuene. Justina was the only daughter of her parents but was gruesomely murdered by Damian Okoligwe in circumstances suggestive of ritual intentions.
“Today, the court has pronounced him guilty of the murder of Justina Otuene. We hope and believe that with this judgment, the soul of Justina can now have a peaceful repose. I also believe that this judgment will serve as a deterrent to youths who believe shortcuts in life are the only means to get rich quick.”
Justina Otuene and her killer Damian Okoligwe