From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Seven suspects arraigned for the murder of Mojisola Awesu, a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, have pleaded not guilty before Justice Ibrahim Yusuf of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin.
At the court sitting on Tuesday, the prosecution, led by the state’s Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Idowu Akande, was set to commence trial following the suspects’ plea. However, defense lawyers requested more time, arguing that the previous adjournment was strictly for arraignment. Consequently, Justice Yusuf adjourned the case to March 12 for hearing.
Awesu was allegedly lured from Offa to Ilorin on August 9, 2024, by two key suspects, Happiness Adebayo and Timileyin Kolawole, before she was reportedly murdered. Her remains were later found at a dumpsite in the Warah community of Ilorin.
Further investigations led to the arrest of Happiness Adebayo’s parents, Adebayo Adeniyi and Bukola Adeniyi, who were accused of conspiring to destroy evidence, an offense under the Kwara State Penal Code Law of 2006.
Additionally, three other individuals; Adeoye Adeola, Lawal Aminat, and Peter Bulus, were charged with aiding in the disposal of the victim’s body, in violation of the Kwara State Prohibition of Dealing in Human Parts Law, 2018.
The adjourned hearing is expected to test the commitment of the state judiciary in delivering justice for the slain student.
