The prime suspect, Joy Afekafe, allegedly involved in the murder of an associate professor in the biochemistry department of the Federal University of Technology (FUTMinna), Niger State, Funmilola Adefolalu, has been arraigned before a Minna Chief Magistrate Court.
The 14-year-old was arraigned on a three-count charge of criminal conspiracy , culpable homicide and armed robbery.
The police prosecutor, DSP Ahmed, stated that the offences are contrary to sections 97, 221 and 298 of the penal code law.
Saidu disclosed that two other suspects in the crime, Wallex and Smart, are currently at large.
He told the court that the suspects stormed the home of the deceased on October 28, 2023, where they used a kitchen knife and stabbed her to death.
According to the First Information Report,” You also used a wooden stool and hit her on her head, after which you carted away $3000, one laptop computer, one mobile phone, two power banks and a car battery.”
“As a result of which, the victim was taken to the IBB Specialist Hospital, where she was confirmed dead by medical doctors.”
However, when the charge was read to the accused, she pleaded not guilty to the crime, hence, the prosecutor pleaded with the court to remand her in the correctional centre.
He added that this will enable the police forward the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution in the Ministry of Justice for legal advice since it is only the High Court that has the power to handle the matter..
Against this background, the presiding Chief Magistrate Fati Hassan Umar ordered that the accused be remanded at the children correctional centre, being 14 years of age.
She then adjourned the case to December 11, for further hearing.
