By Muhammed Danjuma Ogwu, Lafia
The High Court 2 sitting in Lafia, the Nasarawa State capital, has fixed June 26, 2025, for judgment in the trial of Oluwatimileyin Ajayi, who is standing trial for the alleged murder of Salome Adaidu.
The presiding judge, Justice Simon Aboki, announced the date on Tuesday following the adoption of final written addresses by both the prosecuting and defence counsels.
Counsel to the defendant, Joseph Tuku-Bisong, who filed his written address on May 6, urged the court to discharge and acquit the defendant. On the other hand, the prosecuting counsel, Raymond Umaru, submitted a 27-page final written address on May 15, urging the court to convict the defendant and impose the mandatory sentence under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists after the court session, Umaru said the prosecution’s case was anchored on compelling evidence, particularly Exhibit L, a confessional statement made by the defendant and admitted without objection.
“Exhibit L is consistent with other facts established by our witnesses,” Umaru said. “We urge the court to consider this alongside other exhibits and deliver justice accordingly.”
Defence counsel, Tuku-Bisong, maintained that while Exhibit L (the alleged confessional statement), Exhibit N1 (a machete), and Exhibit N2 (small knives) were admitted, they lacked probative value.
“We are simply asking the court not to attach probative value to those exhibits. Based on the evidence before the court, our prayer is for the defendant to be discharged and acquitted,” he submitted.
The judgment, now scheduled for June 26, is highly anticipated as the case has stirred public interest due to its sensitive nature and the widespread sympathy for the late Salome Adaidu.