Seven Suspects Arraigned in Kwara for Murder of Final-Year Student in Kwara

By Omowumi Omotosho
Seven persons were on Monday arraigned at a Kwara State High Court in connection with the murder of Mojisola Awesu, a final-year student of the College of Health Technology, Offa, in Offa Local Government Area
Presiding over the case, Justice Ibrahim Yusuf ordered that the suspects be remanded in custody and adjourned the hearing to February 24, 2025, citing the absence of legal representation for the two primary defendants.
The principal suspects, Happiness Adebayo and Timilehin Kolawole, are accused of conspiring to kill Awesu on August 9, 2024. Other individuals facing charges include Adebayo Adeniyi and Bukola Adeniyi, who are Happiness’ parents, along with hotel staff members Adeoye Adeola, Lawal Aminat, and Peter Bulus.
The charges against them cover conspiracy, murder, evidence tampering, and improper disposal of the victim’s remains. According to prosecutors, these offenses violate Sections 97, 221, and 167 of the Penal Code CAP P4, Laws of Kwara State, as well as the 2018 Prohibition of Dealing in Human Parts Law.
At the court session, state Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Ayoola Akande led five lawyers for the prosecution team, while Barrister F.A. Ahmed and A.I. Orisankoko represented the accused parents and hotel employees. However, the hearing could not proceed as the primary suspects lacked legal representation.
Consequently, Justice Yusuf ordered the remand of Happiness Adebayo and Timileyin Kolawole in a correctional facility pending their proper arraignment on February 24.
Recall that Awesu was allegedly lured to Ilorin by Happiness and Timileyin before being murdered. Her remains were later found at a dumpsite in the Warah community of Ilorin.
Also, Happiness Adebayo and his parents face accusations of orchestrating the destruction of evidence, punishable under the Penal Code Law of Kwara State, 2006. While Adeola, Aminat, and Bulus are alleged to have participated in disposing of the body.