By Becky Usman

Joy Afekafe, identified as the prime suspect in the murder of Funmilola Adefolalu, an associate professor in the biochemistry department at the Federal University of Technology (FUTMinna), Niger State, has been brought before the Minna Chief Magistrate Court.

The 14-year-old suspect faced a three-count charge, including criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, and armed robbery, as presented by the police prosecutor, DSP Ahmed. The charges are in violation of sections 97, 221, and 298 of the penal code law.

Saidu, the prosecutor, informed the court that two other suspects, Wallex and Smart, implicated in the crime, are currently at large. He detailed the events of October 28, 2023, when the suspects allegedly invaded the home of the deceased, using a kitchen knife to fatally stab her. The suspects also reportedly used a wooden stool to strike her head before making off with valuables, including $3000, a laptop computer, a mobile phone, two power banks, and a car battery.

The victim was subsequently taken to the IBB Specialist Hospital, where medical professionals confirmed her death.

During the court proceedings, the accused, Joy Afekafe, pleaded not guilty to the charges. In light of this, the prosecutor requested that the court remand her in the correctional center. He explained that this action would allow the police to forward the case file to the Director of Public Prosecution in the Ministry of Justice for legal advice, as only the High Court possesses the jurisdiction to handle the matter.

Responding to these considerations, Chief Magistrate Fati Hassan Umar ordered the remand of the accused at the children correctional center, considering her age of 14. The case has been adjourned to December 11 for further hearing.