Seven individuals accused in the murder of Mojisola Awesu, a final-year student, pleaded not guilty before Justice Ibrahim Yusuf at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin on Tuesday.
At the previous court session, the suspects were ordered to remain in a correctional facility due to the absence of their legal representation.
The defendants are facing trial for the killing of Awesu, who was a student at the Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa.
Following their pleas, the prosecution, led by the state’s Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Idowu Akande, urged the court to proceed with the hearing.
The defense counsel argued that they were unprepared for the hearing, stating that the case had been scheduled for arraignment rather than a full hearing at the last court session.
In response, Justice Ibrahim Yusuf adjourned the proceedings until March 12, 2025, for the hearing to commence.
Happiness Adebayo and Timileyin Kolawole are the primary suspects accused of conspiring to cause the death of Mojisola Awesu on August 9, 2024.
According to Drivetvnews reports, the duo allegedly lured Awesu to Ilorin, where she was murdered, and her body was later abandoned at a dumpsite in the Warah community.
Happiness, along with his parents, Adeniyi and Bukola, is also facing charges of conspiracy and tampering with evidence, offenses punishable under the Penal Code Law of Kwara State, 2006.
Additionally, Adeoye Adeola, Lawal Aminat, and Peter Bulus have been charged with conspiracy and unlawful disposal of Awesu’s body, a crime under the Kwara State Prohibition of Dealing in Human Parts Law, 2018.
