The Lagos State Government had arraigned Killaboi before the court on a two-count charge of indecent interference with Augusta’s corpse by cutting her stomach and removing her body parts, and murder by stabbing.
The prosecution had informed the court that the offences are contrary to sections 165 and 222 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2015.
The police stated that the defendant murdered the deceased at his residence, 24A Abiola Apooyan Street, Oral Estate, Ikota, Ajah, Lagos, on July 13, 2023.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
In his testimony on Wednesday, Okonye told the court that in July 2023, Augusta responded to messages from her mother and brother but refused to answer calls, raising suspicion.
The witness, who was led in evidence by the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr Babajide Martins, stated that Augusta’s mother visited him, expressing concern about her daughter’s silence for 2-3 days despite usual calls. Augusta’s brother also expressed worry, sensing something was wrong.
He described how the family went to the boyfriend’s house in Ajah, where they found Augusta’s body.
The witness testified, “The family traced her to a close friend, Oyindamola, a roommate at Lead City University, Ibadan. Oyindamola confirmed knowing the address; the estate is gated, and visitors need permission to enter.
“The mother then discussed with a friend to arrange security personnel to accompany her for access. I drove to Ikeja Cantonment to pick up the military man andMrs. Bankole, a family friend. We went to collect Oyindamola in Yaba, as she knew Benjamin’s house, then proceeded to Oral Estate, Ajah.
“We were initially refused entry, but after the military man convinced them, they allowed us, though one security guard was sent with us. We found the address, 24a Abiola Akpoyin Street, Oral Estate, Ikota, Ajah, Lagos.
“The gate was slightly open, so the security guard and military officers entered first. Augusta’s car was parked outside, with the key on the bonnet. My sister and the two women called her name, hoping she’d come out, but she did not.
“The building is a semi-detached duplex. A window upstairs was open, but no response. The estate security advised us to report to the Ajah police to obtain a search warrant. I explained this at the police station, and two officers, including Inspector Odun, accompanied us.
“The officers couldn’t open the locked door and suggested we use a ladder through the open window. Some young men helped us rent one. It was about 8pm
“The police insisted I go up first; I climbed, and they followed. Using my phone’s torch, I saw a body in a pool of blood inside. signalled the officer, who then saw the body. Recognising her despite the swelling, I chose not to scream to avoid causing panic. I told Officer Odun what we found.
“She advised evacuating the body and taking it to the morgue, which I paid for. I don’t know how they later forced the door open to complete the removal.
“Since it was late, I told my sister we should leave and resume the search the next day. I was trying to manage her. I then drove Oyindamola and Mrs Bankole back. My sister lives alone in Maryland, so I took her to my house near Egbeda.
“By 2pm, Ajah police confirmed the body had been evacuated to the morgue.
“On Sunday, July 16th, I called two of her friends—Mrs. Bankole and another—and asked them to come to my house. When they arrived, I shared the news.
“On Monday, we returned to Ajah, where I was asked to write a statement, and I learned that the case would be transferred to Panti.
“My sister, who is very active on social media, showed me that she was engaging with Oyindamola, who told her she follows Benjamin. Benjamin was online on Instagram or similar platforms, confessing that he killed his girlfriend after a quarrel. The police saved the posts, and they quickly went viral.
At Panti, they took statements from my sister and me, assigned us a new IPO, and I eventually led the police back to the house, he concluded.
“After this, the DPP submitted a photograph of the body and another of the house in Ajah as evidence.”
Justice Harrison adjourned the case until Thursday, March 5, for the continuation of the trial. Augusta’s mother is expected to testify.
