The Digest:
A Rivers State High Court has sentenced University of Port Harcourt student Damian Okoligwe to death by hanging for the 2023 murder of his girlfriend, Justina Otuene. According to reports, the 400-level Petrochemical Engineering student was convicted after a trial that revealed a gruesome crime, shaking the academic community and highlighting issues of youth violence and ritual intent.
Key Points:
- 26-year-old Damian Okoligwe was convicted for killing 300-level Biochemistry student Justina Otuene in October 2023.
- Justice Chiwen Nsirim Nwosu ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
- The crime was discovered after neighbours reported a foul odour; police found Justina’s dismembered body in a bag.
- Okoligwe had denied the allegations, claiming he found her lifeless after she had been ill.
- The prosecution highlighted the case as a deterrent against ritual killings and get-rich-quick schemes.
- Justina’s family described the judgment as a relief and deserved justice.
- The defence lawyer declined to comment following the verdict.
Sources: Daily Post
