Weeping Suspects Plead Not Guilty in Court Over Hotel MD’s Killing

The trial of the alleged murderers of the Managing Director of Water View Hotel, Adeniyi Ojo, 50, commenced on Wednesday at the state high court in Kwara State before Justice Haleema Saleeman.

It is recalled that the case had begun at the magistrate court in Ilorin before the new developments in the high court.

The suspects, Joy Adanma Joseph (22) and her friend, Favour David (23), however, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them in court.

Addressing the suspects, who wept continuously while in the dock, the trial judge at one point told them to “stop crying and speak up for me to be able to take proper record of your plea.”

According to the charge sheet, they were accused of culpable homicide punishable with death under Section 97, 221 of the Penal Code.

The sheet also accused them of conspiring to rob the deceased of his Infinix Handset, among others, while armed with knives.

Attorney General of Kwara State, Senior Ibrahim Sulyman, and Issa Zakari, a chief state counsel, are representing the state in the matter.

The suspects were represented by John Mayokun Dada.

Meanwhile, Justice Saleeman adjourned the case to April 17, 2024, for a proper hearing.