A Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has convicted and sentenced a man to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Justina Otuene, in 2023.
The convict, Damian Okoligwe, was a 400-level student of petrochemical engineering at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).
The victim, Ms Otuene, was also a 300-level student of biochemistry at UNIPORT.
PREMIUM TIMES had reported in October 2023, how the 26-year-old man killed and then dismembered his 20-year-old girlfriend in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State, South-south Nigeria.
‘Proven beyond reasonable doubt’
Delivering judgement on Friday, the trial judge, Chinwe Nsirim-Nwosu, held that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt the three ingredients of a murder case against Mr Okoligwe.
The judge described Mr Okoligwe’s actions as “intentional, composed, calculated, coordinated, and evil,” adding that there was no contradiction in the evidence that he committed the crime.
Justice Nsirim-Nwosu ruled that Mr Okoligwe should be hanged to death.
Speaking outside the courtroom, the prosecuting counsel, Charles Mbaba, expressed satisfaction with the judgement, saying it would allow the soul of the late Ms Otuene to rest in peace.
Mr Mbaba added that the judgement would serve as a deterrent to young people who think shortcuts are the best way to succeed.
“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 judgement, the soul of Justina can now have a peaceful repose,” he said.
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“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.”
The defence counsel declined to speak to reporters on the judgement.
Osatawaji Otuene, the elder brother of the late woman, said his family is happy with the judgement.
“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,” Mr Otuene said.
