A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sentenced a 400 level Petrochemical Engineering student of the University of Port Harcourt, Damian Okoligwe, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Justina Otuene, a 300 level Biochemistry student of the same institution.
Delivering the judgment on Friday, Justice Chiwen Nsirim Nwosu ruled that the prosecution had presented overwhelming evidence that established Okoligwe’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The judge held that the gruesome death of Justina was a direct result of the defendant’s actions. She described the incident as a tragic and deeply disturbing case that shocked both the university community and the wider public.
Okoligwe, now 26, committed the crime in October 2023 at his residence in Ozuoba, Port Harcourt. His arrest came after neighbours noticed a persistent foul odour coming from his apartment. Their concern grew when they reportedly saw him attempting to dispose of what appeared to be a heavy bag. Alarmed, they alerted the Ozuoba Police Division.
Responding officers stormed the residence and forced the door open. Inside, they discovered a Ghana must go bag containing the dismembered body of 20 year old Justina Otuene. The horrifying discovery sparked immediate outrage and triggered discussions about ritual killings and violence against women in the country.
Police alleged that Okoligwe murdered Justina for ritual purposes, a claim that fuelled public anger and calls for justice.
The case initially began at the Magistratep Court in Port Harcourt. However, due to the serious nature of the crime, Chief Magistrate Nnenda Obiageri Onugbum ordered in November 2023 that the matter be transferred to the Department of Public Prosecution for legal advice and proper handling.
Two months later, in early 2024, the Rivers State Government formally took over the prosecution. This decision reflected the gravity of the case and the state’s commitment to ensuring a thorough trial.
The murder trial officially commenced in May 2024. It drew significant public attention and a regular turnout from civil society groups, students of the University of Port Harcourt and family members of the deceased.
During a press briefing shortly after his arrest in 2023 at the Rivers State Police Command Headquarters, Okoligwe denied murdering Justina. He claimed he had been sick when she visited him, and said he found her lifeless in his room after waking from sleep. He stated that he left the house to seek treatment from his brother and returned three days later. He said he then decided to dispose of her body.
He denied removing any organs and insisted that her remains were intact when they were discovered. However, the prosecution argued that his explanation was inconsistent and contradicted the evidence found at the scene.
During the trial, prosecuting counsel Charles Obediah Mbaba presented forensic evidence, witness testimonies and police reports to support the state’s claims. Mbaba argued that Okoligwe’s actions before and after the crime, including his attempt to conceal Justina’s body, demonstrated clear intent.
Justice Nsirim Nwosu noted that the manner in which the body was found, particularly its dismembered state, suggested a deliberate attempt to conceal the crime. The judge added that the prosecution had successfully disproved the defendant’s claims of innocence.
The court subsequently convicted Okoligwe of murder and sentenced him to death by hanging. This brought a decisive end to a case that had stayed in public discussion for more than a year.
Speaking after the judgment, prosecuting counsel Mbaba described the ruling as justice done, seen and felt. He highlighted that Justina was the only daughter of her parents and condemned the senseless nature of her death. He expressed hope that the verdict would serve as a warning to young people drawn to shortcuts and illicit means of wealth.
He stated that the court’s decision should stand as a deterrent to the growing trend of ritual related crimes among youths.
Justina’s elder brother, Osat Awaji Otuene, expressed mixed feelings of relief and sorrow. While praising the court for a detailed and well delivered judgment, he noted that no ruling could erase the pain of losing his sister. He said the verdict offered some comfort and confirmed that Justina did not die in vain.
The defence lawyer declined to comment on the judgment.
For the Otuene family, the ruling marks the end of a long and painful journey for justice.
Comments
Post a Comment