In a solemn turn of events, the arraignment of 25 suspected perpetrators of the tragic killing of Alex Timileyi, a 200-level engineering student at Ajayi Crowther University, unfolded before the Chief Magistrate in Oyo State. The incident, which occurred on May 24, 2023, saw Timileyi fatally beaten within the confines of Shepherd Inn hostel on campus, allegedly over accusations of stealing a mobile phone. The assailants reportedly further humiliated the victim by forcibly shaving his hair. Following the uproar caused by the incident, the university management expelled several students believed to be involved and subsequently handed them over to the state police for legal action.
Prior to the arraignment, an X.com user under the pseudonym “Lord of Warri,” claiming kinship with the deceased, had petitioned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, urging swift justice for those responsible. However, in a subsequent update on X.com, the activist expressed gratitude towards the Oyo State authorities for their pursuit of the case, accompanied by documents detailing the students’ names and the court proceedings.
In the latest development, as of June 5, the court remanded the 25 students in prison until July 8 for trial. The activist commended the efforts of both the Oyo State Government and the Police Command for their commitment to ensuring accountability and justice in the matter. The expectation now rests on the forthcoming trial to deliver justice in its entirety.
Among the charges leveled against the suspects are accusations of conspiracy to commit felony, specifically the acceleration of death, as per Section 324 of the Criminal Code, Cap 38, Vol. II, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000.
However, a source within the state police command, speaking under anonymity, neither confirmed nor denied the news at the time of this report.
