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From Tony John, Port Harcourt
A Rivers State High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has sentenced to death by hanging a 400-level student of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Damian Okoligwe, for killing and dismembering his girlfriend, Justina Otuene.
Okoligwe, who was studying Petrochemical Engineering at UNIPORT, had murdered his girlfriend, who was a 300-level student of Biochemistry Department of the same University on October 20, 2023.
The convict committed the crime at his apartment in Mgbuoba in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
Okoligwe had dismembered her body and dumped the remains inside a wheelbarrow ready to dispose the same before security operatives apprehended him.
Delivering the judgement on Friday, the trial judge, Justice Chinwe Nsirim-Nwosu, held that the prosecution proved beyond responsible doubt, the three ingredients of murder case against the Okoligwe.
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The judge described the action of Okoligwe as intentional, composed, calculated, coordinated and evil, insisting that there was no contradiction in the evidence; hence, a proof that Okoligwe, truly committed the crime.
The judge directed that Okoligwe should be hanged on his neck until he is confirmed dead.
Speaking outside the courtroom, the prosecutor, Charles Mbaba, expressed satisfaction with the judgement, adding that it would make the soul of Justina to rest in peace.
He said the judgement would also serve as a deterrent to young people who think short cut is the possible way for survival.
While the defendant’s counsel declined comment on the judgement, the deceased’s brother, Osatawaji Otuene, said his family is happy with the verdict.
He commended the court for justice well served, saying that the judgement would serve as a relief to them as a family.
