By Fasuyi Tolulope Samuel
A High Court sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced 32-year-old Gospel singer, Oluwatimileyin Ajayi, to death by hanging for the gruesome murder of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Salome Eleojo Adaidu.
Justice Simon Aboki delivered the verdict, declaring Ajayi guilty of culpable homicide after he was found to have killed and dismembered the 24-year-old corps member.
The convict was charged under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, which prescribes the death penalty for such offences.
It can be recalled that Ajayi was arrested on Sunday, January 12, 2025, while attempting to dispose of Salome’s severed head after allegedly murdering her at his residence in the Papalana area of New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area of the state.
Read: Is it Wrong for Gospel Artistes to Collaborate with Hip Hop Artistes?
Ajayi had pleaded not guilty upon arraignment at the High Court of Justice in Lafia. Despite his plea, damning evidence led to his conviction and subsequent sentencing.
During police interrogation, the suspect admitted to killing Salome, whom he described as his girlfriend, although he insisted the act wasn’t premeditated.
“I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time, it’s not something I planned. It happened on that day and it happened. Not that I have the plan in mind, she was cheating. She hides most of the things from me most time. I got to know from her phone. I saw her chats with other guys on the phone, that was why I decided,” he confessed.
While being paraded by the police, the convicted killer showed no remorse, stating: “I did not regret my actions.”
The murder, which sent shockwaves through the community and beyond, occurred when Salome reportedly went to visit Ajayi at his home. It was there he allegedly attacked her, took her life, and dismembered her body.
.
