Court Admits Evidence in Kiraboy Murder Trial
The Lagos State High Court in Igbosere has admitted the written statement and video recording of the interrogation of Benjamin Nayereugo, commonly known as “Kiraboy,” into evidence. Nayereugo is currently on trial for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Augusta Onuwabagbe.
This key evidence was presented during the trial by an investigating officer from the State Criminal Investigation Department, DSP Oderinde Gafaru. His testimony came after the deceased’s mother, Cordelia Onuwabagbe, completed her examination.
DSP Gafaru detailed the investigation, explaining that Nayereugo was arrested in Qatar through international cooperation and subsequently extradited to Nigeria. “The defendant was arrested with the assistance of relevant security bodies and later brought back for legal proceedings,” Gafaru informed the court.
During the proceedings, it was highlighted that the defendant had voluntarily provided his written statement during the interrogation process. The prosecution submitted this statement without objection, and the court approved its inclusion as evidence. A video of the interrogation was also screened in the courtroom.
Under cross-examination by defense lawyer Marcel Orr (SAN), Gafaru addressed inquiries regarding the circumstances of Nayereugo’s statement and his release. The prosecution noted that the testimonies of Gafaru and Mrs. Onuwabagbe had been consolidated, indicating that only one witness remains to conclude the case. Justice Ibironke Harrison subsequently adjourned proceedings to June 17 and 18, 2026, for further trial.
During her testimony, Cordelia Onuwabagbe, aged 56, described Nayereugo as a family member prior to the incident, expressing disbelief at his alleged violent actions. “He was like a son to me,” she stated, recounting how he frequently visited her home. Despite their prior closeness, she was unaware of his violent tendencies, stating, “I didn’t know he was capable of murder.”
Furthermore, Cordelia testified about the trips Nayereugo and her daughter took together, revealing incidents of physical abuse during their travels. She recounted a particular trip to the Seychelles in 2022, emphasizing that the conflict arose unexpectedly over Augusta’s online video, which Nayereugo disapproved of. The defense suggested that the altercation stemmed from jealousy over a provocative video, a claim Cordelia refuted by asserting that her daughter was merely wearing a bikini for her work.
The examination also delved into the financial aspects of their relationship, as Cordelia acknowledged receiving various monetary gifts from Nayereugo. However, she expressed concern over the motivations behind these funds and clarified that she saw them as manipulative rather than affectionate gestures. The court heard extensive details about Nayereugo’s behavior leading up to Augusta’s tragic death, with Cordelia rejecting claims that her daughter was involved in illicit activities or violence.
As the trial unfolds, it is evident that the testimonies being presented paint a complex picture of the relationship between Nayereugo and Onuwabagbe, highlighting themes of trust, betrayal, and loss. The court proceedings are poised to further explore these dimensions in the upcoming sessions.
