UNIPORT Student Sentenced to Death by Hanging for Killing Girlfriend!
Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa
A 400‑level student of the University of Port Harcourt, Damian Okoligwe, has been sentenced to death by hanging after a Rivers State High Court found him guilty of murdering and dismembering his girlfriend, Justina Otuene. [1]
What Happened
- Okoligwe, who was studying Petrochemical Engineering, killed Otuene — a 300‑level Biochemistry student — on October 20, 2023 at his apartment in Mgbuoba, Obio‑Akpor LGA of Rivers State. [2]
- After the murder, he dismembered her body and placed the remains in a wheelbarrow, apparently preparing to dispose them. He was arrested before he could carry out the disposal. [3]
- In delivering judgment, the trial judge held that the prosecution proved its case “beyond reasonable doubt,” describing the crime as “intentional, composed, calculated, coordinated and evil.” The judge ordered that Okoligwe be “hanged by the neck until confirmed dead.” [2] Reaction & Significance Legal observers and civil‑society voices say the sentence sends a clear message of deterrence, cautioning those who think extreme violence or short‑cuts can go unpunished. [4]
- The case renews debate over campus safety, student mental health, and the need for early intervention to prevent gender‑based violence within tertiary institutions.
Citations:
- The Guardian Nigeria: guardian.ng/news/nigeria/metro/court-sentences-uniport-student-to-death-for-girlfriends-murder/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Punch Newspapers: punchng.com/uniport-student-to-die-by-hanging-for-killing-girlfriend/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Daily Trust: dailytrust.com/uniport-student-to-die-by-hanging-for-killing-girlfriend/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
- Trending News: www.tvcnews.tv/uniport-student-sentenced-to-death-for-murder-of-girlfriend/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
