Timileyin Ajayi, the suspect in the murder of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Salome Adaidu, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of culpable homicide punishable by death.
Ajayi was arraigned before Justice Simeon Aboki at Court 2 in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Monday. He was arrested on January 12, 2025, by the Nasarawa State Police Command following the death of Adaidu at his residence weeks ago.
During the court session, Stanley Nwaforagu, the Officer-in-Charge of Legal Affairs for the Nasarawa Police Command, confirmed the suspect’s plea and expressed the police’s commitment to pursuing the case.
“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,” Nwaforagu stated.
He further added, “The case has been adjourned to the 17th to 20th of March for trial. The court has committed to a speedy, accelerated trial, which is a welcome development. We have overwhelming evidence to sustain the charge, and we are optimistic that justice will be served.”
On the defense side, Ajayi’s counsel, Joseph Tukur, emphasized his duty to ensure a fair trial.
“Today was primarily for arraignment. As the law demands, my client has entered his plea, and a date has been set for the hearing. My role is to ensure the prosecution proves their case beyond reasonable doubt and that the law is followed,” Tukur stated.
The court has scheduled the trial for March 17 to 20, 2025, promising to prioritize the case for a swift resolution.
