Godsent Ogbebor
Suspects plead not guilty for Awesu’s murder
Seven suspects charged with the alleged murder of a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, Mojisola Awesu, have pleaded not guilty before Justice Ibrahim Yusuf of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin on Tuesday.
The prosecution accused the defendants of six offenses, including conspiracy, murder, destruction of evidence, and illegal disposal of the victim’s body.
Among those arraigned were Happiness Adebayo and Timileyin Kolawole, the prime suspects alleged to have conspired and caused Mojisola’s death on August 9, 2024.
Happiness’ parents, Adebayo Adeniyi and Bukola Adeniyi, were also charged with conspiracy and destruction of evidence, offenses punishable under the Kwara State Penal Code Law of 2006.
Read also: Kwara Student Killed for Rituals After Meeting Cleric on Facebook
Three hotel workers, Adeoye Adeola, Lawal Aminat, and Peter Bulus were accused of conspiring and unlawfully dumping the victim’s body along Warah Road, Ilorin, an offense punishable under the Kwara State Prohibition of Dealing in Human Parts Law, 2018.
The prosecution stated that the charges violated Sections 97, 221, and 167 of the Penal Code, CAP P4, Laws of Kwara State, 2006, as well as Section 9 of the 2018 law against dealing in human parts.
During the court session, the Kwara State Director of Public Prosecutions, Ayoola Akande, informed the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed with the trial.
However, the defense argued that they were not prepared, as the case had been adjourned for arraignment and not for hearing.
Justice Yusuf, stressing the urgency of the matter, ordered the defendants to be remanded in a correctional facility and emphasized that criminal cases involving loss of life should be handled without unnecessary delays.
The case was adjourned until March 12, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
