The trial of the suspects arrested in connection with the alleged murder of Adeniyi Ojo, the Managing Director of Water View Hotel, kicked off on Wednesday at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin.

The suspects were charged before Justice Haleema Saleeman.

The case initially began at the magistrate court before the new development.

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

At a point, the trial judge told the suspects who wept profusely while in the dock, “to stop crying and speak up for me to be able to take proper record of your plea.”

The charge sheet slammed the suspects with culpable homicide, punishable by death under sections 97 and 221 of the Penal Code.

The sheet also accused them of conspiring to rob the deceased of his Infinix handset among other valuables while armed with knives.

The Attorney General of Kwara State, Ibrahim Sulyman and Issa Zakari, a Chief state counsel, represent the state in the matter.

The suspects were represented by Barrister John Mayokun Dada.

The trial judge, Justice Saleeman, however adjourned the case until April 17, 2024.