The Nasarawa State High Court 2, Lafia Division, on Monday, began hearing in the case of the alleged murder of the 24-year-old corps member, Salome Adaidu.

The defendant, Oluwatimilehin Ajayi, was accused of killing and dismembering the body of Ms Adaidu, who was said to be his girlfriend.

Mr Ajayi, who was charged with culpable homicide, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution counsel, Raymond Umaru, called three witnesses when the case came up for hearing.

Mr Umaru presented the divisional police officer in charge of Karshi Police Station, the officer handling the matter at the station, and the deceased’s uncle, Samson Adaidu, as witnesses.

Addressing the court, he applied to amend the name of the defendant from Timilehin Ajayi to Oluwatimilehin Ajayi “in the interest of justice”, which was granted.

However, during the cross-examination, the defendant’s counsel, Joseph Tukur-Sisong, sought to know if the forensic investigation was carried out to ascertain that the dismembered body was that of the corps member.

Responding, Mr Adaidu told the court that he identified the head of the deceased when it was brought out from a polythene bag and shown to him.

Meanwhile, Nasarawa’s attorney general, Hauwa Samuel-Jugbo, applied for the court’s approval to take over the prosecution of the case from the police.

The court granted the request.

Justice Simon Aboki later ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Lafia Correctional Centre until Tuesday (today) to continue the hearing.

(NAN)