The ongoing trial of Benjamin Nnayereugo, better known as “Killaboi,” continues to unfold at the Lagos State High Court situated in Igbosere. This case has garnered significant public attention, primarily due to its harrowing details and the serious allegations against Nnayereugo, who is accused of murdering his girlfriend, Augusta Onuwabhagbe. A recent session revealed crucial evidence, including a written statement from the defendant and a video recording from his interrogation.
Evidence Submission and Testimonies in Court
In a recent court hearing, the prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecutions Mr. Adedayo Haroun, introduced two significant pieces of evidence against Nnayereugo: a written statement he provided during interrogation and a video recording of that same process. DSP Oderinde Gafar from the State Criminal Investigation Department took the stand to detail the investigations that led to Nnayereugo’s apprehension. According to Gafar, Nnayereugo was arrested in Qatar through coordinated efforts with various international law enforcement agencies and subsequently extradited to Nigeria for prosecution.
Gafar explained that during the interrogation, Nnayereugo voluntarily composed a statement that was later entered into court without contest. The accompanying video of the interrogation provided additional context to the prosecution’s case, demonstrating the nature of the defendant’s responses during questioning. This evidentiary groundwork has set the stage for a deeper legal exploration of the events leading to Onuwabhagbe’s tragic death.
A Grieving Mother’s Testimony
Further testimony came from the victim’s mother, Mrs. Cordelia Onuwabhagbe, who painted a poignant picture of her daughter’s relationship with Nnayereugo. Cordelia described Nnayereugo as someone she once considered family, expressing disbelief at the allegations against him. She recounted their close interactions, noting that he frequently visited their home, where he was well-fed and offered a place to stay. “Before this tragic event, I treated him like a son; I had no idea he could commit such an act,” she lamented.
Her cross-examination highlighted incidents suggesting deeper issues in their relationship. Cordelia mentioned trips Nnayereugo took with Augusta to places like Mauritius and Seychelles, during which physical abuse allegedly first occurred. The tension between them reportedly escalated during these trips, culminating in accusations regarding Augusta’s behavior, particularly around social media.
Defence and Counterarguments
Throughout the proceedings, the defense counsel, Mr. Marcel Oru (SAN), posed various questions aimed at discrediting Cordelia’s narrative. He suggested that conflicts between his client and Augusta arose due to her online presence and interactions with men. However, Cordelia firmly rejected these claims, asserting that her daughter was not violent and had only shared harmless videos for professional purposes. This back-and-forth highlights the intense emotional stakes involved and raises questions about relationship dynamics before the tragic incident.
Additionally, allegations surfaced regarding Nnayereugo’s financial support to Augusta’s family, with Cordelia confirming she received funds but denying any narrative that painted Nnayereugo as a generous figure in their lives before the crime occurred. This information complicates the portrayal of Nnayereugo, contributing layers of complexity to the ongoing trial.
The Path Forward in the Trial
As the trial progresses, the Lagos State High Court is set to reconvene on June 17 and 18, 2026, for further testimony. The case reflects societal issues around relationships, trust, and violence, drawing public scrutiny towards domestic abuse and its dire consequences. Nnayereugo’s allegations of murder carry severe legal implications, and the court’s findings will likely influence perspectives on similar incidents in the future. The upcoming sessions promise to unravel more details about this tragic case, keeping the courtroom dynamic as family, community, and the state demand justice for Augusta Onuwabhagbe.