Adesola Adedeji, a receptionist at Hilton Hotel in Ile-Ife, said Ramon Adedoyin, the owner, asked her to deny that late Timothy Adegoke lodged in the facility.
Adegoke, a postgraduate student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), was found dead in November last year — a few days after he lodged in the hotel.
Adedoyin is standing trial alongside six others for the alleged murder of the student.
The defendants had earlier pleaded not guilty to 11-count charges bordering on conspiracy, murder, attempted felony, unlawful interference with a dead body, altering, and intent to destroy evidence.
The receptionist, who is among the defendants, spoke on Monday when the trial resumed at the Osun state high court sitting in Oshogbo.
During a cross-examination by Femi Falana, the prosecuting counsel, Adedeji said Adedoyin came to the hotel around 8 pm on the day Adegoke checked in to check on his employees.
According to her, Adedoyin’s son also visited the hotel at 10 pm the same day.
She, however, said she did not know when they left the facility.
“Ramon Adedoyin did not enter the room that day. Roheem also did not enter room 305 on the day the incident happened,” she said.
Adedeji also said the close circuit television (CCTV) camera in the hotel was functional as of November 5 when the deceased arrived at the facility.
The receptionist, however, said by the time she resumed duty on November 9, the CCTV had been removed, adding that she did not understand the rationale behind the move.
Adedeji told the court that the hotel owner held a meeting at the house which had in attendance Esther Asigor and Quadri Moshood — her fellow receptionists — who are now on the run.
The receptionist alleged that Adedoyin asked her to tell investigating police officers that the deceased did not lodge in the hotel.
Adedeji also said the hotel owner asked her to deny receiving money from the late PG student.
Adepele Ojo, the judge, thereafter adjourned the case till June 27 for the adoption of a final written address.
