Timileyin Ajayi, the man accused of murdering Salome Adaidu, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member who died at his residence a few weeks ago, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. Ajayi was arrested by the Nasarawa State Police on January 12 and charged with culpable homicide, an offense punishable by death.
During his arraignment on Monday before Justice Simeon Aboki at Court 2 in Lafia, Ajayi denied the charges. The Officer-in-Charge of Legal Affairs for the Nasarawa State Police, Stanley Nwaforagu, stated after the proceedings that despite Ajayi’s not guilty plea, the police would continue to pursue the case until justice is served.
“The defendant, Mr. Timileyin Ajayi, was properly arraigned today, January 27, 2025, on the one count charge of culpable homicide punishable with death. His plea was taken, and he pleaded not guilty. A date for trial has been set. The case has now been adjourned to March 17–20 for trial,” Nwaforagu said, expressing confidence in the strength of the evidence. He further added that the court was committed to expediting the trial process.
Joseph Tukur, Ajayi’s defense counsel, stated that the arraignment was procedural, and assured that he would continue to follow the case for his client. He emphasized that it was his responsibility to ensure that the prosecution proves the case beyond reasonable doubt, and not to prove the case himself.
“The role of the defense counsel is to ensure the prosecution adheres to the law and proves its case properly. I am here to ensure that the law is followed correctly,” Tukur said.
