Timileyin Ajayi, accused of murdering National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Salome Adaidu, has pleaded not guilty to the charges during his arraignment before Justice Simeon Aboki at Court 2 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Monday.
Ajayi was arrested by the Nasarawa State Police Command on January 12 and charged with culpable homicide, an offense punishable by death under Nigerian law.
Speaking after the court session, Stanley Nwaforagu, Officer-in-Charge, Legal, of the Nasarawa State Police Command, stated that despite Ajayi’s plea, the police are determined to see the case through to its conclusion.
“Today, the 27th day of January 2025, the defendant, Mr. Timileyin Ajayi, was properly arraigned before this Honourable Court on a one-count charge of culpable homicide punishable with death.
He pleaded not guilty, and the case has been adjourned to the 17th to 20th of March for trial. The court is committed to ensuring a speedy trial, and we are confident in our evidence to secure justice,” Nwaforagu said.
Meanwhile, the defense counsel, Joseph Tukur, assured his client of a fair legal process.
“My duty is to ensure that the prosecution proves their case beyond a reasonable doubt while defending my client in accordance with the law,” he said.
Tukur also noted that the hearing was primarily for arraignment and that the defense is prepared for the trial set to begin in March.
Salome Adaidu’s tragic death at Ajayi’s residence has sparked public interest, with many eagerly awaiting the trial’s outcome.
