A man is to stand trial charged with the rape and murder of a mum in an Aberdeen flat.
Bala Chinda is accused of killing Nkechi McGraa at a flat in Union Terrace, Aberdeen on February 11 this year.
Prosecutors claim the 25 year-old forced Miss McGraa onto a bed, held her down and had sex with her.
The murder charge further alleges he did “inflict blunt force trauma” to her head and neck before forcing the 36 year-old’s face into a pillow.
It is said Chinda held her face there and as a result – or “by other means to the prosecutor unknown” – he did “asphyxiate” Miss McGraa.
Chinda faces a separate accusation of attempting to defeat the ends of justice.
It is claimed he stole two phones and a key from Miss McGraa after the alleged rape and murder.
The charge states he got rid of the mobiles as well as a handset he is said to have used to contact Miss McGraa.
Prosecutors claim this was done to “conceal and destroy evidence” linking Chinda to Miss McGraa and the crime.
Ian Duguid QC, defending, pled not guilty on his behalf during a short hearing at the High Court in Glasgow.
Judge Lady Rae set a trial due to begin in December. The case could last up to 10 days.
