.•••As Court Sets Trial Date
By Joy Yesufu
Timileyin Ajayi, who confessed accused to the murder of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Salome Adaidu, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of culpable homicide during his arraignment at a Nasarawa State High Court on Monday.
Ajayi, arrested on January 12, 2025, by the Nasarawa State Police Command, appeared before Justice Simeon Aboki at Court 2 in Lafia.
He faces a charge of culpable homicide punishable by death.
The Officer-in-Charge, Legal, of the Nasarawa State Police Command, Stanley Nwaforagu, stated that despite Ajayi’s plea, the police remain committed to pursuing justice.
Nwaforagu told journalists:
“Today, January 27, 2025, the defendant, Mr. Timileyin Ajayi, was properly arraigned before this Honourable Court on the one-count charge of culpable homicide punishable with death. He pleaded not guilty, and the case has been adjourned for trial from March 17 to March 20.
“The court has indicated its intention to ensure a speedy and accelerated trial. We have overwhelming evidence to sustain the charge, and we are optimistic that justice will be done.”
Ajayi’s counsel, Joseph Tukur, emphasized his commitment to ensuring that the legal process is upheld. Tukur explained, “As the law demands, my client has entered his plea, and we have been given a date for the trial.
“It is not my responsibility to prove the case; my role is to defend my client and ensure that the prosecution adheres to the law. They must prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt, and I am here to ensure that justice is served in accordance with the law.”
Ajayi is accused of killing Adaidu at his residence weeks before his arrest. Police reports and earlier statements allege that Ajayi had admitted to the crime during interrogation.
However, his not-guilty plea now sets the stage for a full trial, with both the prosecution and defense preparing for the legal battle ahead.
