Olayiwola Matthew
Salome Adaidu’s alleged killer, Timileyin Ajayi, has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge instituted by the Police against him.
The Police had charged Ajayi Temilenyi to court for culpable homicide punishable with death.
According to the Police, the suspect pleaded not guilty to the killing of Salome Adaidu when he was arraigned before Justice Simeon Aboki at the Court 2 in Lafia on Monday.
The Officer-in-Charge, Legal, of the Nasarawa State Police command, Stanley Nwaforagu told newsmen after the court proceeding that despite his plea of not guilty to the charge, the Police will continue to follow up on the case until justice is served.
He said, “Today, the 27th day of January 2025, the defendant Mr Timileyin Ajayi was properly arraigned before this honourable court on the one count charge of culpable homicide punishable with death.
“His plea was taken and he pleaded not guilty to the charge. And a date was set for trial. The case is now adjourned to the 17th to 20th day of March for trial.
“The court is desirous of giving it a speedy, accelerated trial and it is a welcome development.
“We have overwhelming evidence to sustain the charge and we are optimistic that justice will be done.”
On his part, counsel to the defendant, Joseph Tukur, pledged to follow up on the case for his client (Ajayi) until the law is fulfilled.
“Today was basically for arraignment. And as the law demands, he has entered his plea already, so we have taken a day for hearing,” Tukur added.
The defence counsel said it is not out of place to defend an alleged murder case, but to ensure that the prosecution does their own work legally, which is to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt.