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

Justice Chiwen Nsirim Nwosu delivered the judgment on Friday, ruling that the prosecution—led by Charles Obediah-Mbaba—proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court held that Okoligwe was fully responsible for Justina’s death, which occurred in October 2023 at his residence.

How the Case Unfolded

Okoligwe was arrested in 2023 after neighbours alerted police to a foul odour coming from his room. Officers forced the door open and discovered a Ghana-must-go bag containing Justina’s dismembered remains. He was accused of killing her for ritual purposes.

The case initially began at a Magistrate Court but was later transferred to the Department of Public Prosecution for legal advice before the formal trial started in May 2024. By March 2024, the Rivers State Government had taken over the prosecution.

During a 2023 interview while in police custody, Okoligwe denied killing Justina. He claimed he had been ill when she visited and allegedly found her dead hours later. He further said he left for his brother’s house for treatment and returned three days later intending to dispose of her body. He also denied tampering with her organs.

Court Delivers Justice

After reviewing evidence and witness testimonies, the court ruled that Okoligwe’s account was not believable. Justice Nwosu declared him guilty and sentenced him to death, describing the crime as gruesome and deeply disturbing.

Reactions to the Judgment

Prosecuting counsel Obediah Charles Mbaba praised the ruling, saying justice had been served not only legally but emotionally for Justina’s family:

“Justice has not only been done, but seen and felt to be done. Justina was the only daughter of her parents and was murdered in circumstances suggestive of ritual intentions.”

He added that the judgment should serve as a warning to youths chasing quick riches through unlawful means.

Justina’s elder brother, Osat-Awaji Otuene, also expressed relief and gratitude to the court:

“It was a very detailed and well-structured judgment. I’m glad we finally got the correct judgment for the case. It brings a measure of comfort to our family.”

He added that the verdict reassures the family that Justina did not die without justice.