Despite previously justifying the killing, Timileyin Ajayi, who was arraigned on Monday over the murder of Salome Adaidu, a National Youth Service Corps member, has entered a ‘not-guilty’ plea.
Persecondnews reported that the Nasarawa State Police Command arrested the alleged killer of Salome on January 12 and was charged before Justice Simeon Aboki at Court 2 in Lafia, Nasarawa, for culpable homicide, an offence punishable by death.
The command’s legal officer, Mr. Stanley Nwaforagu, assured that the police would pursue the case until justice is served.
Nwaforagu said: “Today, the 27th day of January 2025, the defendant, Mr Timileyin Ajayi, was properly arraigned before this Honourable court on the one count charge of culpable homicide punishable with death.
“His plea was taken and he pleaded not guilty to the charge. And a date was set for trial. The case is now adjourned to the 17th to 20th day of March for trial.
“The court is desirous of giving it a speedy, accelerated trial and it is a welcome development. We have overwhelming evidence to sustain the charge and we are optimistic that justice will be done.”
On his part, counsel to the defendant, Mr. Joseph Tukur, said he will follow up on the case until the law is fulfilled.
He said: “Today was basically for arraignment and as the law demands, he has entered his plea already, so we have taken a day for hearing.”
When asked how the case would be proven in light of his client’s previous comments on the matter, he replied, “It is not my place to prove the case. It is my place to defend him.
“The work of the defence counsel is to ensure that the prosecution does their own work legally well which is to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt. So I am here to make sure that the law is fulfilled.”
Justice Aboki has adjourned the case until March 17-20 for trial.
Persecondnews recalls that Ajayi was apprehended by churchgoers on Sunday, January 12 in Orozo, a community bordering the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, and Nasarawa State.
He was found carrying a polybag containing the dismembered body of Salome.
Ajayi had told the police and newsmen that he had no regrets killing the youth corps member.
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