After two years in detention, the Rivers State High Court in Port Harcourt has found Damian Okoligwe guilty of killing his girlfriend, Miss Justina Nkang, a 300-level biochemistry student at the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT).
Okoligwe, 26, who was a 400-level petrochemical engineering student at UNIPORT, was arrested after he killed and dismembered the late Nkang’s body on 20 October, 2023, at his apartment in Mgbuoba, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of the state.
Recall that on 26 October, 2023, the Rivers State Police Command announced the arrest of the 400-level UNIPORT student.
Prior to her death, the late deceased who was 20-year-old as of the time of death was said to have been seen at D/Line axis of Port Harcourt, where she was undergoing Industrial Training (IT) attachment, a mandatory procedure for academic programme.
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On Friday the presiding judge, Justice Chinwe Nsirim-Nwosu, gave the final judgement after the prosecution presented the circumstances surrounding her death.
The prosecuting council further recalled how the deceased killer was apprehended while trying to dispose her remains packed inside a Ghana-must-Gmgo bag on the wheelbarrow.
In what the judge described as “intentional, calculated, coordinated, and evil,” Justice Nsirim-Nwosu underscored that the evidence presented has no contradiction.
Prosecuting counsel Charles Mbaba, who spoke outside the courtroom with evident relief, expressed that the decision finally delivered justice for Otuene, the couple’s only child.
He noted that the outcome should stand as a strong lesson to young people who may be lured into dangerous, get-rich-quick schemes.
“Justice has been seen and felt to be done,” Mbaba said. “We believe this judgement will allow Justina’s soul to rest and discourage youths who think quick riches are worth taking lives for.”
The defence counsel chose not to give any reaction.
In contrast, Justina’s elder brother, Osatawaji Otuene, said the family felt a sense of closure.
He described the judgement as detailed and reassuring, adding that it confirmed their belief that her life, and death, had meaning.
