The Oyo High Court in Awe has adjourned the case involving 12 individuals accused of murdering an Ajayi Crowther University undergraduate, Jeffrey Akro.
The trial, which began on Thursday, was postponed to Tuesday, December 10, 2024, after the defendants pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge.
Justice Ladiran Akintola, presiding over the case, deferred the hearing to allow for further legal proceedings and to explore possible resolutions outside the courtroom.
Speaking to journalists, Chief Victor Ewrhujakpor, a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Delta State, who represented the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) of Oyo State, explained the court’s proceedings.
“We are in court today to take the plea of the defendants and to hear their bail application concerning the murder of Jeffrey Akro,” he said. “The mother and uncle of the deceased were present in court. Unfortunately, the application could not proceed as anticipated. The judge, in his wisdom, advised exploring the possibility of an out-of-court settlement, given the ages of the suspects, the deceased, and the overall impact of the case.”
Ewrhujakpor expressed optimism about resolving the matter amicably, noting, “If we receive cooperation from all parties involved, I am confident that by the next adjournment, we will have significant progress to report through the Attorney General of the state to the public and the bereaved family.”
When asked about the legal team’s readiness, Ewrhujakpor stated, “I was prepared to oppose the bail application and had my counter-affidavit ready. However, the judge’s advice to consider an alternative resolution prompted this adjournment.”
In a separate interview, a relative of the deceased, Ayirimi Emami, voiced his support for the legal counsel’s approach. “Our lawyer has spoken. I don’t have much to add. Whatever resolution is reached, we will support it, but justice must prevail,” he remarked.
