Damian Chinaemerem Okoligwe — the 24-year-old UNIPORT student accused of murdering and dismembering his 20-year-old girlfriend, Justina Otuene — has reportedly been sentenced to death by hanging, according to emerging updates from the case.
Justina, a 300-level Biochemistry student, was declared missing in October 2023. Damian, a 400-level Petroleum Engineering student, became the primary suspect after an alarming report from his neighbor led police officers to his two-bedroom apartment. A disturbing smell had been coming from the building, prompting the neighbor’s call.
Upon arrival, police discovered Justina’s dismembered remains packed into multiple Ghana-Must-Go bags. Damian, who had rented the apartment only a week earlier, attempted to claim that Justina had died in her sleep after visiting him because he was ill. He insisted that he panicked upon realizing she was unresponsive the next morning — cold and stiff — and dismembered her body only because he feared no one would believe his story.
Investigators, however, quickly dismissed his claim.
Justina’s family had already reported her missing, and someone had placed a call demanding ransom before her death was confirmed. Family and friends also stated that she did not have a known boyfriend, and Damian was completely unknown to them.
Following months of investigation and court proceedings, sources indicate that Damian has now been sentenced to death by hanging.
Official court documents and full sentencing details have not yet been released, and updates will follow once more information becomes publicly available.
As the case continues to spark nationwide outrage, many have expressed deep sorrow over the tragic loss of a young woman whose promising future was cut short in a horrific and senseless manner.
