By John Ogunsemore
Timileyin Ajayi on Monday pleaded not guilty following his arraignment at the Nasarawa State High Court sitting in Lafia for the murder of 24-year-old Salome Adaidu.
The police arraigned the defendant before Justice Simon Aboki on a one count charge of culpable homicide.
The prosecution said the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria.
When the charge was read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
Justice Aboki adjourned the case until March 17 and 20 for trial.
Speaking to reporters after the arraignment, Stanley Nwaforagwu said, “The defendant, Timileyin Ajayi was properly arraigned before the high court of justice, Lafia on a one count charge of culpable homicide punishable with death.
“His plea was taken and he pleaded not guilty to the charge and a date was set for trial. The case is now adjourned to 17 to 20th March for trial.”
Ajayi, 32, was arrested for allegedly killing Adaidu and dismembering her body earlier this month.
Until her death, the 24-year-old victim was undergoing the mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme at Nicon Insurance in Abuja.
She had visited the defendant at his residence in the Papalana axis at New Karshi in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State at the time of the incident, the police said.