A Rivers State High Court has sentenced a University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) student, Damian Okoligwe, to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Matilda Itonyo Benson.
Okoligwe was found guilty of killing Matilda in 2023 at their residence in Port Harcourt, after which he attempted to dispose of her remains. The case, which sparked widespread outrage at the time, led to his arrest and prosecution by the Rivers State Government.
Delivering judgment on Thursday, the presiding judge held that the prosecution had presented overwhelming evidence establishing the defendant’s role in the crime. The court ruled that Okoligwe’s actions were premeditated and intentional, describing the incident as a deliberate act of violence.
The judge consequently convicted him on charges of murder and imposed the death sentence as stipulated under Nigerian law.
Family members of the late Matilda expressed relief at the verdict, saying justice had finally been served. The state government also commended the court for ensuring a thorough and lawful process.
Okoligwe is expected to remain in custody pending the conclusion of all legal procedures related to the sentence.