Seven individuals accused in connection with the murder of Mojisola Awesu, a final-year student, have pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them before Justice Ibrahim Yusuf of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin.
The court proceedings took place on Tuesday.
At the previous hearing, the defendants were remanded in a correctional facility due to the absence of their legal representatives.
The case revolves around the tragic killing of Awesu, who was a student at the Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa.
Prosecuting the case, the state’s Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Idowu Akande, urged the court to proceed with the trial following the defendants’ plea of not guilty.
However, the defense counsel objected, arguing that they were unprepared for trial since the last court sitting was scheduled for arraignment, not a full hearing.
Justice Yusuf subsequently adjourned the case until March 12, 2025, for further proceedings.
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Happiness Adebayo and Timileyin Kolawole have been identified as the primary suspects, accused of orchestrating Awesu’s murder on August 9, 2024.
Reports suggest that the victim was lured to Ilorin under false pretenses before being killed, with her remains later abandoned at a dumpsite in Warah community.
Happiness Adebayo, along with his parents, Adeniyi and Bukola, faces additional charges related to evidence tampering and obstruction of justice, offenses punishable under Kwara State’s Penal Code Law of 2006.
Meanwhile, three other co-defendants—Adeoye Adeola, Lawal Aminat, and Peter Bulus—stand accused of aiding in the disposal of the victim’s body, in violation of the Kwara State Prohibition of Dealing in Human Parts Law of 2018.
