Timileyin Ajayi, accused of murdering National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Salome Adaidu, has pleaded not guilty to the charge of culpable homicide punishable by death.
Ajayi was arraigned on Monday before Justice Simeon Aboki at Court 2 in Lafia, following his arrest by the Nasarawa State Police Command on January 12.
The tragic death of Salome Adaidu, who reportedly passed away at Ajayi’s residence a few weeks ago, sparked widespread concern, leading to a detailed police investigation.
During the court proceeding, the Officer-in-Charge of Legal Affairs for the Nasarawa State Police Command, Stanley Nwaforagu, noted that the case would be pursued diligently to ensure justice is served.
Nwaforagu stated, “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. A date was set for trial, and the case is now adjourned to the 17th to 20th day of March for trial.”
He further noted that the court is committed to a swift trial, which he described as a positive step toward ensuring justice. Nwaforagu expressed confidence in the evidence gathered by the police, adding that it is strong enough to uphold the charge in court.
In defense of Ajayi, his counsel, Joseph Tukur, assured that he would ensure due legal process is followed throughout the trial. Tukur remarked, “Today was basically for arraignment. And as the law demands, he has entered his plea already, so we have taken a day for hearing.”
When asked about the earlier comments made by his client concerning the case, Tukur explained, “It is not my place to prove the case. It is my place to defend him. The work of the defense counsel is to ensure that the prosecution does their own work legally well, which is to prove the case beyond reasonable doubt. So I am here to make sure that the law is fulfilled.”
The trial is set to resume on March 17, with both sides preparing their cases as the legal battle over the tragic death of Salome Adaidu continues.
