Seven individuals accused of murdering Mojisola Awesu, a final-year student at Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, have pleaded not guilty before Justice Ibrahim Yusuf of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin.
The prosecution charged them with six counts, including conspiracy, murder, destruction of evidence, and illegal disposal of the victim’s body.
Among the accused are Happiness Adebayo and Timileyin Kolawole, identified as the prime suspects in Mojisola’s death on August 9, 2024. Happiness’ parents, Adebayo Adeniyi and Bukola Adeniyi, face charges related to evidence tampering. Three hotel workers—Adeoye Adeola, Lawal Aminat, and Peter Bulus—are accused of conspiring to dump the victim’s body along Warah Road, Ilorin.
The charges fall under the Penal Code Law of Kwara State, 2006, and the Kwara State Prohibition of Dealing in Human Parts Law, 2018.
During Tuesday’s court session, Kwara State Director of Public Prosecutions, Ayoola Akande, expressed readiness to proceed with the trial. However, the defense argued they were unprepared since the session was meant for arraignment, not a hearing.
Justice Yusuf emphasized the need for an expedited trial, stating, “This is a criminal case involving life. There should be no waste of time.”
The court has adjourned the case until March 12, 2025, for the hearing, with all defendants remaining in custody.
(Prompt news)