Court adjourns case of 12 suspected killers of Ajayi Crowther University student
The Oyo State High Court on Friday adjourned the case involving twelve suspects accused of murdering Jeffrey Akro, an undergraduate student at Ajayi Crowther University, until Tuesday, December 10, 2024.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge during the session as Justice Ladiran Akintola scheduled the next hearing for December 2024.
During an interview with newsmen, Chief Victor Ewrhujakpor, representing the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) and a former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, explained that the purpose of the court appearance was to take the defendants’ pleas and to address their bail application.
“We are here to enter the pleas of the defendants and to discuss their bail application related to the murder of Jeffrey Akro. His mother and uncle are present in court,” Ewrhujakpor stated.
He added, “I am appearing on behalf of the DPP of Oyo State and leading a team of two other lawyers. Unfortunately, we could not address the bail application today as expected.”
Ewrhujakpor, drawing on his experience as a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Delta State, expressed readiness to oppose the bail request but noted that the judge suggested exploring the possibility of an out-of-court settlement, considering the ages of the suspects and the impact of the case.
“We adjourned to seek an amicable resolution. If we receive the necessary cooperation, I am optimistic that we will have updates to share by the next hearing, both with the Attorney General and the families affected,” he concluded.
In a separate interview, a relative of the deceased, Chief Ayirimi Emami, remarked, “Our lawyer has spoken on our behalf. We trust their judgement and will follow their lead, but we believe that justice must prevail.”
