The mu.rder trial of Benjamin Best Nnayereugo, popularly known as “K!llaboi,” has begun at the Lagos High Court, Igbosere. He is charged with the k!lling of his girlfriend, Augusta Onuwabhagbe
At the proceedings, the first prosecution witness, Mr. Reginald Okonye—Uncle to the late Augusta—took the stand to recount how the family discovered her body at Benjamin’s residence in Ajah, Lagos. He was led in evidence by the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions, Dr. Babajide Martins, before trial judge Justice Ibironke Harrison.
Okonye explained that in July 2023, Augusta had been responding to messages from her mother and brother but consistently avoided phone calls for two to three days, raising concern among her family. With the assistance of Augusta’s roommate from Lead City University, Ibadan, the family was able to trace her to her boyfriend’s home in Ajah.
“I am Reginald Okonye, Regional Head of Sales for West and Central Africa at Siemens Energy. Augusta was my niece, and her mother is my eldest sister,” he stated. “I had met the defendant once before Augusta passed but didn’t really recognise him. After her death, I saw his picture everywhere and now I know who he is. He had accompanied Augusta to church once, but I only saw him from afar.”
He continued, “On Saturday, July 15, 2024, Augusta’s mother came to my place, saying she hadn’t been able to reach her daughter for 2–3 days. Augusta usually called every morning, but she wasn’t answering. Her brother was equally worried, insisting that her mother go search for her as he feared something was wrong.”
The witness narrated the process of locating Augusta’s boyfriend’s home: “My sister reached out to Augusta’s roommate, Oyindamola, who confirmed Benjamin’s address in a gated estate. Augusta’s mother then arranged for a friend and a military officer to accompany her to gain access. I also drove with them to Yaba to pick Oyindamola before we proceeded to Oral Estate, Ajah.”
Okonye said access to the house was initially denied. “After persuasion from the military officer, the estate security allowed us in, accompanied by one of their guards. We found Augusta’s car outside, the key on the bonnet. My sister and friends called her name, but there was no response.”
Describing the scene inside, Okonye said, “The building is a semi-detached duplex, and one of the upstairs windows was open. The estate security advised we go to Ajah police station to get officers to assist, as we couldn’t enter without a warrant. We returned with two officers, but the door was locked. They suggested using a ladder to enter through the open window, and with the help of locals, we rented one. By then, it was about 8pm and getting late.”
The testimony provided a detailed account of how Augusta’s family struggled to gain access to her boyfriend’s residence, marking the start of the prosecution’s case against Benjamin Nnayereugo.
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