- The Lafia High Court has sentenced gospel singer Oluwatimileyin “Timileyin” Ajayi to death by hanging for the brutal murder and dismemberment of 24-year-old NYSC corps member Salome Adaidu.
- Justice Simon Aboki convicted Ajayi of culpable homicide, violating Section 221 of the Northern Nigeria Penal Code.
- Ajayi, a gospel musician with a clean public image, was accused of killing Adaidu in Papalana, New Karshi on January 12, 2025, causing widespread shockwaves.
A High Court in Lafia has sentenced gospel musician Oluwatimileyin “Timileyin” Ajayi to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering and dismembering 24-year-old NYSC corps member, Salome Adaidu.
Justice Simon Aboki, who presided over the case, ruled that Ajayi was guilty of culpable homicide under Section 221 of the Northern Nigeria Penal Code. The gruesome incident occurred on January 12, 2025, at Ajayi’s residence in Papalana, New Karshi.
Ajayi, who had previously maintained a clean public image as a gospel singer, shocked the nation when he was apprehended while allegedly attempting to dispose of Adaidu’s dismembered body. During police interrogation, he reportedly confessed, saying: “She was my girlfriend. She was always cheating on me… I have no regrets.”
Despite the overwhelming evidence, including the recovery of the victim’s severed remains, Ajayi entered a not guilty plea at the time of his arraignment. Throughout the emotional trial, he was seen clinging to a Bible and praying silently as the victim’s family and others in the courtroom watched in disbelief.
The case, which first made headlines on January 27, 2025, ignited national outrage and renewed discussions around the safety of corps members and the alarming rate of gender-based violence in Nigeria.
Following the court’s verdict, many Nigerians have praised the ruling as a necessary step toward justice for Salome Adaidu and a stern message that no one is above the law, regardless of public image or status.
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