The Nasarawa State High Court 2, Lafia Division, on Monday commenced the trial in the case of the alleged murder of 24-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Salome Adaidu.
The defendant, Oluwatimilehin Ajayi, was accused of killing and dismembering the body of Ms. Adaidu, who was reportedly his girlfriend.
Ajayi has been charged with culpable homicide but pleaded not guilty to the charge.
During the court session, the prosecuting counsel, Raymond Umaru, called three witnesses, including the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Karshi Police Station, the investigating officer, and the deceased’s uncle, Samson Adaidu.
Umaru also requested an amendment to the defendant’s name—from Timilehin Ajayi to Oluwatimilehin Ajayi—citing the interest of justice. The court granted the application.
Under cross-examination, the defense counsel, Joseph Tukur-Sisong, questioned whether a forensic investigation had been conducted to confirm the identity of the dismembered body. In response, Mr. Adaidu testified that he was able to identify the head of the deceased after it was retrieved from a polythene bag and shown to him.
Meanwhile, the Attorney General of Nasarawa State, Hauwa Samuel-Jugbo, applied to formally take over the prosecution of the case from the police.
The court approved the request.
Presiding judge, Justice Simon Aboki, ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Lafia Correctional Centre. The hearing is scheduled to continue today (Tuesday).