The trial of Timileyin Ajayi, the suspected killer of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Salome Adaidu, commenced on Monday at the High Court 2 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
During the court session, the prosecution presented three out of the five witnesses lined up to testify against Ajayi.
These witnesses reportedly submitted their statements as exhibits, alleging that the victim’s body was found in the suspect’s possession.
Ajayi was initially arraigned in January before Justice Simon Aboki, where he pleaded not guilty to the charge of culpable homicide for allegedly killing Adaidu.
The Nasarawa State Government officially took over the case, leading to the start of the trial on Monday.
During the session, the prosecution requested an amendment to the suspect’s name from “Timileyin Ajayi” to “Oluwatimileyin Daniels Ajayi” to reflect accurate records.
The prosecuting counsel presented five exhibits, labelled A to E, and the three witnesses detailed Ajayi’s alleged involvement in Adaidu’s death. The defence counsel cross-examined each of the witnesses.
Speaking after the court session, prosecuting counsel Raymond Umoru stated, “The witnesses provided vital information about the case. We hope that justice will prevail in the end.”
On the other hand, the defence counsel, Joseph Tuku-Bisong, expressed optimism, saying, “We have just started today, and we thank God for the progress. The prosecution called three witnesses, and we fulfilled our duty by cross-examining them.”
After listening to the submissions, Justice Aboki adjourned the case, scheduling the trial to continue from March 17 to March 20.
