Court sentences university undergraduate to death for murder of girlfriend
A 400-level student of petrochemical engineering at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) Damian Okoligwe has been sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Justina Otuene, in 2023.
Penpushing reports that Okoligwe was sentenced by Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt, having in October 2023, murdered the 20-year-old girlfriend and dismembered her in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State
The trial judge Chinwe Nsirim-Nwosu in his judgement, held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt the three ingredients of a murder case against Okoligwe, describing his actions as intentional, composed, calculated, coordinated, and evil.
Penpushing further reports that the judge added that there was no contradiction in the evidence that he committed the crime, against the deceased who was also a 300-level student of biochemistry of the university, and ruled that Okoligwe should be hanged to death.
The prosecuting counsel, Charles Mbaba, speaking outside the courtroom expressed satisfaction with the judgement, pointing out that it would allow the soul of the late Otuene to rest in peace.
Penpushing also reports that Mbaba added that the judgement would serve as a deterrent to young people who think shortcuts are the best way to succeed, stressing that justice has been done.
“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’, he said.
“Today, the court has pronounced him guilty of the murder of Justina Otuene. We hope and believe that with this judgement, the soul of Justina can now have a peaceful repose. I also believe that this judgement will serve as a deterrent to youths who believe shortcuts in life are the only means to get rich quickly’, Mbaba added
Penpushing reports that the elder brother of the deceased, Osatawaji Otuene, said his family is happy with the judgement, stressing that it was a relief because at least it is certain that his sister didn’t die for nothing
“I feel good. It was a very detailed and well-structured judgement. I really want to commend the judge. It is a relief because at least it is certain that my sister didn’t die for nothing. So it is a relief to the family, Otuene said.
Penpushing further reports that when journalists contacted the defence counsel he declined to speak on the judgement.
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