A High Court in Lafia, presided over by Justice Simon Aboki, has commenced hearing in the murder trial of 32-year-old singer Oluwatimilehin Daniel Ajayi, who is accused of killing and dismembering a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Salome Adaidu.
Ajayi, who was escorted to the courtroom under heavy security from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Nasarawa State Government, represented by Attorney General Hauwa Samuel Jugbo, has officially taken over the prosecution from the police.
During the proceedings, prosecution counsel Raymond Umar requested an amendment to the defendant’s name, changing it from Timilehin Ajayi to his full legal name, Oluwatimilehin Daniel Ajayi. Justice Aboki granted the request after verifying the name from the accused.
Three witnesses, including the Divisional Police Officer of Karshi Police Station and the deceased’s uncle, Mr. Adaidu Samson, testified before the court.
During cross-examination, defense counsel Joseph Tuku Bisong questioned whether forensic investigations had been conducted to confirm the victim’s identity.
However, Mr. Samson testified that he immediately recognized his niece’s severed head when it was discovered inside a polythene bag.
Following the testimonies, Justice Aboki adjourned the case to Tuesday for further hearing.
Ajayi, popularly known as Timilehin Ajayi, was arrested on February 12 for allegedly murdering and dismembering the 24-year-old corps member.
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