A 400-level University of Port Harcourt student was hanged for the murder of his girlfriend, according to a sentence issued by the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt.
The incident took place on October 20, 2023, inside the convict’s apartment in Mgbuosimini, Obio-Akpor Local Government Area, according to court records.
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Justina Otuene, a 300-level Biochemistry student at the same institution, was killed, according to the prosecution, but also dismembered her body and put the parts in a wheelbarrow in an effort to dispose of them before he was apprehended.
The prosecution had established every conceivable doubt in a detailed judgment, according to Justice Chinwe Nsirirm-Nwosu, the trial judge.
The judge noted that the witness testimony and exhibits in court “left no room for contradiction,” calling Okoligwe’s actions “intentional, calculated, and chillingly coordinated.”
After the sentence was issued, Justice Nsirirm-Nwosu mandated that Okoligwe be hanged by the neck until proven dead.
The prosecution’s attorney, Charles Mbaba, applauded the verdict, claiming it represented justice for both Justina and her battling family.
He expressed confidence that the judgment would effectively deter other people.
In connection with Justina Otuene’s gruesome murder, justice has been shown to have been committed.
Desmond Okoligwe brutally murdered Justina in circumstances reminiscent of ritual intentions despite that she was the only child of her parents.
We only hope that Justina’s soul can rest peacefully now that he has been found guilty of the murder of her, he continued.
Further, the attorney continued, “I think this decision will deter youths who think shortcuts in life are the only way to become wealthy as quickly as possible.”
Members of the victim’s family both expressed relief and sorrow over the decision, while the convict’s attorney declined to comment.
Osatawaji Otuene, Justina’s brother, said the family now experiences some sense of closure after months of agony.
I really want to commend the judge for his thoroughness of judgment. Today’s court hearing was flawless, and I’m happy to see that the judgment was made.
He said, “It’s a relief that my sister didn’t just die for nothing; therefore, the judgment was given and the judgment was deserved, so it’s a relief to the family.”
