BREAKING: UNIPORT STUDENT SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR GRUESOME MURDER OF GIRLFRIEND — COURT DECLARES JUSTICE SERVED

Daily post has taken to its online official handle and announced that, in a judgment that sent shockwaves across Rivers State and the academic community, the Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sentenced 26-year-old Damian Okoligwe, a 400-level Petrochemical Engineering student of the University of Port Harcourt, to death by hanging for the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Justina Otuene, a 300-level Biochemistry student.

Justice Chiwen Nsirim Nwosu, delivering the verdict on Friday, held that the prosecution—led by State Counsel Charles Obediah-Mbaba—proved its case beyond every reasonable doubt, establishing that Okoligwe intentionally caused Justina’s death in October 2023.

The court ruled unequivocally that the evidence, including the discovery of Justina’s dismembered body in a Ghana-must-go bag inside the convict’s apartment, left no room for doubt. Neighbours had alerted the police after perceiving a foul odour coming from Okoligwe’s room, prompting officers from the Ozuoba Police Division to forcefully enter the premises — where they made the horrifying discovery.

The prosecution maintained that Okoligwe killed Justina for alleged ritual purposes, a claim that fuelled public outrage at the time of his arrest. The Rivers State Government took over the case in early 2024, and the trial commenced in May after the Magistrate Court transferred the file to the Department of Public Prosecution for legal advice.

During a 2023 media parade at the Rivers Police Command, Okoligwe denied any ritual motive, insisting he had been ill, fell asleep, and awoke to find Justina lifeless. He admitted attempting to dispose of her body days later but denied mutilating her or removing any organs — a claim prosecutors dismissed as implausible.

Following today’s judgment, Prosecuting Counsel Obediah-Mbaba said the ruling represents a major victory for justice:
“Justice has not only been done, but seen and felt to be done. Justina, an only daughter, was murdered in a manner suggestive of ritual intent. Today the court has spoken loudly and clearly.”

He added that the judgment should serve as a warning to young Nigerians against the lure of quick-wealth schemes:
“This verdict should deter youths who believe shortcuts are the only routes to success. Work hard, obey the law, and avoid the dangerous path that destroyed this young man.”

For the victim’s family, the ruling offered a measure of comfort after months of anguish.
Osat-Awaji Otuene, Justina’s elder brother, described the judgment as “well-deserved” and “a relief”:
“I feel calm. It was a detailed and well-structured judgment. I commend Justice Nsirim for delivering the right decision. My sister didn’t die in vain. This brings us some peace.”

However, the defence team declined to speak with journalists after the court session, leaving unanswered questions about a possible appeal.

With the sentence now pronounced, the case stands as one of the most shocking campus-related crimes in Rivers State’s recent history — and a solemn reminder of the growing concerns surrounding violence among youths.