A High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced 32-year-old gospel singer Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the gruesome murder of Salome Adaidu, a 24-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member.
The judgment was delivered by Justice Simon Aboki, who ruled that Ajayi was guilty of culpable homicide under Section 221 of the Penal Code.
The court established that Ajayi murdered and dismembered Adaidu at his residence in the Papalana area of New Karshi. The discovery of her mutilated body had sparked national outrage, particularly among youth organizations and advocates against gender-based violence.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Ajayi maintained a not-guilty plea but showed no signs of remorse, even in the face of overwhelming evidence. Witnesses called by the prosecution provided damning testimonies that led to the court’s conclusion.
“The prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt,” Justice Aboki declared during sentencing. He emphasized that the judgment sends a clear signal that violent crimes, especially against women, will be met with the full weight of the law.
The Nasarawa State Government actively took over the prosecution, underscoring its commitment to justice in high-profile and gender-based violence cases. This ensured a thorough legal process that drew commendation from human rights groups.
For the family of Salome Adaidu and the Papalana community, the ruling brings some measure of relief. “This verdict is a step towards healing,” a family spokesperson said. Justice Aboki concluded by reaffirming the judiciary’s role in safeguarding the rights and lives of citizens.
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