Seven individuals accused of murdering Mojisola Awesu, a final-year student at the Kwara State College of Health Technology in Offa, have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, conspiracy, evidence destruction, and corpse dumping. The case was heard before Justice Ibrahim Yusuf at the state High Court in Ilorin on Tuesday, with the prosecution presenting six counts against the defendants.
The primary suspects, Happiness Adebayo and Timileyin Kolawole, are alleged to have conspired to cause Mojisola’s death on August 9, 2024. Additionally, Happiness’ parents, Adebayo Adeniyi and Bukola Adeniyi, are charged with conspiring to cause the disappearance and destruction of evidence, which is punishable under the Kwara State Penal Code Law of 2006.
Three hotel workers – Adeoye Adeola, Lawal Aminat, and Peter Bulus – are also implicated in the case. They stand accused of conspiring to dump Mojisola’s corpse at a dump site along Warah road in Ilorin, an offense that falls under the Kwara State Prohibition of Dealing in Human Parts Law of 2018.
The Kwara State Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Ayoola Akande, indicated readiness to proceed with the trial after the defendants entered their not guilty pleas. However, the defense counsel argued that they were not prepared for a hearing, as the previous court session was adjourned specifically for arraignment.
Justice Yusuf emphasized the gravity of the criminal case, ordering all defendants to be remanded in a correctional facility. He stressed the importance of an expeditious trial, stating, “This is a criminal case which involved life. The trial should be expeditious, there should be no waste of time.”
The prosecution alleges that the offenses breach Sections 97, 221, and 167 of the Penal Code, as well as Section 9 of the Kwara State Prohibition of Dealing in Human Parts Law. The case has been adjourned until March 12, 2025, for a hearing, with all parties awaiting the next legal proceedings.
