From David Onuoja, Abuja
Three witnesses has testified to the killing of one, Salome Adaidu, who was serving as a National Youth Service Corp (NYSC), in Nasarawa State, before she was allegedly said to be killed by a 32-year-old singer, Oluwatimilehin Ajayi.
The first hearing, commenced at a High Court of Justice, sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, was presided over by Justice Simon Aboki.
The accused, Ajayi, was brought to the court under heavy security from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), where he pleaded not guilty to the charge.
During the proceedings, the Attorney General of Nasarawa State, Hauwa Jugbo, officially took over the prosecution from the police.
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First, the Prosecution counsel, Raymond Umar moved a motion to amend the defendant’s name from Timilehin Ajayi to his full name, Oluwatimilehin Daniel Ajayi. Justice Aboki granted the request after confirming the name from the accused.
The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Karshi Police Station, who is the decease’ uncle, Mr. Adaidu Samson, during the cross-examination, by the defense counsel, Joseph Bisong, asked whether forensic investigations had been conducted to confirm the victim’s identity.
Mr. Samson who stands as one of the witnesses responded that he immediately recognised his niece’s severed head when it was retrieved from a polythene bag.
Adjourning the case for further hearing after listening to the first three testimonies, Justice Aboki adjourned to today Tuesday for further proceedings.
Ajayi, popularly known as Timilehin Ajayi, was arrested on February 12 for allegedly murdering and dismembering a 24-year-old Salome Adaidu, a serving NYSC member.
