Two of the three suspected killers of Nigeria’s first female fighter helicopter, Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, have been set free by Kaduna State Magistrate Court.
However, the first suspect, Nehemiah Adejor, who drove the car that killed the Air Force Officer, is now to be charged for culpable homicide and criminal conspiracy in the State High Court.
When the case came up at the Magistrate Court in Kaduna on Thursday, the prosecution Counsel, DSP Martins Leo, prayed the court to discharge the 2nd and 3rd suspects, as their investigation did not find them wanting.
Ruling on the motion, Magistrate Benjamin Hassan discharged 2nd and 3rd suspects, Folorunsho Igbekele Faith and Gbayegun Deji, based on the Police investigation, which did not find them wanting and the legal advice from the state’s Director of Public Prosecution, Bayero Dari, that they have no case to answer.
According to the legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecution read in the open court, there is no premeditation in the death of the Flying Officer Arotile, but there is sufficient evidence to prosecute the 1st suspect, Adejor for culpable homicide not punishable with death.
Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile was knocked down and killed by a vehicle driven by her secondary school mate, Adejor, on July 14, 2020. While the 2nd and 3rd suspects, Faith and Gbayegun were passengers in the said vehicle.
Also Read: Nigerian Police takeover late Arotile’s case
The 1st suspect is to be arraigned at the State High Court for culpable homicide not punishable with death on September 3, 2020.
Editor: Ena Agbanoma
