A Chief Magistrate in Ondo State, Olateju Odenusi-Fadeyi, has ordered the remand of a 15-year-old female student from Anglican Grammar School, Arigidi Akoko, following the alleged murder of her classmate, 17-year-old Habib Salau. The magistrate directed that the accused be held at the Ondo State Juvenile Home in Akure while awaiting further advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
During the court proceedings, the magistrate did not take the teenager’s plea. She faces a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder related to the incident that occurred on October 3 around 3:30 p.m. in Imo, Arigidi Akoko.
Allegations Against the Defendant
Police Prosecutor Josephine Awana informed the court that the accused and an accomplice, currently at large, conspired to commit the act. According to the prosecution, a disagreement between the two students escalated into a physical altercation after school hours. The defendant allegedly accused Salau of confronting her on her way home, which led to the confrontation.
During the fight, it is alleged that someone handed the defendant a knife and instructed her to stab Salau in the neck, resulting in his death.
The charges against her violate Sections 124 and 319(1) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ondo State, 2006. The case has drawn attention to issues surrounding youth violence and the judicial process for minors involved in serious crimes.