The trial of Timileyin Ajayi, accused of murdering National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Salome Adaidu, began on Monday at High Court 2 in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, with three witnesses testifying against the prime suspect.
The prosecution counsel presented three key witnesses from their lineup of five to testify against Ajayi and submitted five statements, labeled A to E, which were accepted by the court as evidence.
The witnesses testified that Adaidu’s body was discovered in the defendant’s possession.
They were subsequently cross-examined by the defence counsel.
Ajayi initially appeared before Justice Simon Aboki in January 27, pleading not guilty to murdering Adaidu, whose dismembered remains were reportedly discovered at his residence.
Persecondnews recalls that the Nigeria Police had charged Ajayi with culpable homicide, a crime punishable by death under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, before the Nasarawa State Government took over the case and proceeded with the trial.
At Monday’s hearing, the prosecution asked to formally change the defendant’s name on record from Timileyin Ajayi to Oluwatimileyin Daniels Ajayi.
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.
The trial is scheduled to continue from March 17 to March 20, as adjourned by Justice Aboki on January 27.
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