The trial of Oluwatimileyin Daniels Ajayi, the suspected killer of Salome Adaidu, commenced on Monday at High Court 2 in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
According to The PUNCH, the prosecution presented three out of five witnesses, who testified that the victim’s remains were found in the defendant’s possession. The witnesses also submitted statements as evidence, which the court admitted as exhibits labeled A to E.
Ajayi, who was first arraigned before Justice Simon Aboki in January, pleaded not guilty to the charge of culpable homicide. The offense, filed under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, carries the death penalty.
At the start of Monday’s session, the prosecution sought the court’s permission to correct the suspect’s name from Timileyin Ajayi to Oluwatimileyin Daniels Ajayi.
Speaking on the trial’s progress, prosecuting lawyer Raymond Umoru expressed confidence in the case, stating: “The witnesses provided crucial information about what transpired. We trust that, in the end, justice will prevail.”
The defense counsel, Joseph Tuku-Bisong, also commented, saying: “This is just the beginning. We appreciate today’s proceedings and the opportunity to cross-examine the prosecution’s witnesses.”
Justice Simon Aboki adjourned the case, scheduling the next hearings from March 17 to March 20.
