Rivers Court Sentences UNIPORT Student to Death for Murder of Girlfriend
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sentenced a 400-level Petrochemical Engineering student of the University of Port Harcourt, Damain Okoligwe, to death by hanging for the murder and dismemberment of his girlfriend, Justina Otuene.
Justice Chinwe Nsirim-Nwosu delivered the judgment on Friday after the court found Okoligwe guilty of killing the 300-level Biochemistry student on October 20, 2023, at his apartment in Mgbuoba, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
According to the prosecution, Okoligwe murdered and dismembered Otuene, placing her remains in a wheelbarrow in an attempt to dispose of the body before he was apprehended.
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In her ruling, Justice Nsirim-Nwosu held that the prosecution had proven the three essential elements of murder beyond reasonable doubt. She described the act as “intentional, composed, calculated, coordinated, and evil,” noting that the evidence presented was consistent and without contradictions.
The judge consequently ordered that Okoligwe be hanged by the neck until confirmed dead.
Speaking after the judgment, the prosecution counsel, Charles Mbaba, expressed satisfaction with the ruling, stating that it would allow the soul of the deceased to rest in peace. He added that the verdict should serve as a deterrent to young people who believe in taking dangerous shortcuts for survival.
Rivers Court Sentences UNIPORT Student to Death for Murder of Girlfriend