The family of late University of Port Harcourt student, Justina Otuene, has expressed relief after a Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt sentenced her boyfriend, Damian Okoligwe, to death for her murder.
Okoligwe, a four hundred level student of Petrochemical Engineering at the University of Port Harcourt, was found guilty of killing Justina, a three hundred level Biochemistry student, on October twenty, two thousand and twenty three, at his residence in Mgbuoba, Obio Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.
After committing the murder, the convict dismembered her body, packed the remains into a wheelbarrow and attempted to dispose of them before he was apprehended by security operatives.
Delivering judgment on Friday, the presiding judge, Justice Chinwe Nsirim Nwosu, held that the prosecution successfully proved the offence of murder beyond reasonable doubt. She described the act as intentional, calculated, coordinated and evil, adding that the evidence before the court was consistent and credible.
The judge subsequently ordered that Okoligwe be hanged by the neck until he is confirmed dead.
While the defence declined to comment on the verdict, the deceased elder brother, Osatawaji Otuene, said the family was satisfied with the judgment, describing it as a relief after months of pain and anguish.
The prosecution counsel, Charles Mbaba, also expressed satisfaction with the judgment, saying justice had been served. He added that the verdict should serve as a deterrent to young people who seek quick wealth through criminal means.
