Rivers High Court Orders Death By Hanging For Student Convicted Of K!ll!ng Fellow Undergraduate

According to Ireporter Online, a Rivers State High Court 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 murdering his girlfriend, 300-level Biochemistry student, Justina Otuene.

The judgment, delivered on Friday by Justice Chiwen Nsirim Nwosu, concluded that the prosecution—led by Charles Obediah-Mbaba—successfully established beyond reasonable doubt that Okoligwe was responsible for Justina’s death in October 2023 at his residence.

Court findings indicated that the victim’s death was directly linked to Okoligwe’s actions. He was apprehended after neighbours alerted authorities over his suspicious attempt to conceal her remains. Security personnel from the Ozuoba Police Division intervened and recovered the evidence that led to his arrest.

The case, taken over by the Rivers State Government, formally began trial in May 2024. During an earlier police interview in 2023, Okoligwe denied any involvement, claiming he had been unwell when Justina visited and allegedly woke up to find her unresponsive. He further stated that he travelled to his brother’s home for medical attention and returned days later intending to handle her remains, which he insisted were intact.

Following the ruling, prosecuting counsel Obediah-Mbaba commended the court’s decision, describing it as justice fully served in a case that deeply affected the victim’s family. He noted that the judgment sends a strong message to young people about the dangers of seeking quick wealth through unlawful means.

The victim’s elder brother, Osat-Awaji Otuene, expressed relief and gratitude over the verdict, saying the family feels reassured that the legal process acknowledged the gravity of the crime. He described the ruling as “well-deserved” and a source of comfort, affirming that his sister’s life was not lost in vain.