Timileyin Ajayi, the suspected killer of Salome Adaidu, has been arraigned before the High Court of Justice in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital.
He is facing one count of culpable homicide punishable by death under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria.
The arraignment took place on Monday before Justice Simon Aboki. Upon hearing the charge, Ajayi pleaded not guilty to the murder of Salome. The court subsequently adjourned the case to 17th–20th March 2025 for trial.
Speaking to journalists after the arraignment, the prosecuting counsel, Stanley Nwaforagwu, expressed confidence in the case, stating, “The defendant was properly arraigned, and his plea was taken. We have overwhelming evidence to sustain the charge, and we are optimistic that justice will be done. The court is giving this case accelerated attention, which is a welcome development.”
The defence counsel, Joseph Tukur, clarified his role in ensuring a fair trial, stating, “It is not my place to prove the case; my role is to ensure that the prosecution proves their case beyond a reasonable doubt. The law must be fulfilled.”
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutekpa, who is leading the legal team for the family of the deceased, underscored the seriousness of the case.
He said, “We are watching brief for the family of the deceased. This is a serious matter of national importance, and we are here to see that justice is done.”
