A High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced gospel singer Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the brutal murder of his 24-year-old girlfriend, Salome Adaidu, a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Delivering judgment on Thursday, Justice Simon Aboki found Ajayi guilty of culpable homicide under Section 221 of the Penal Code, which prescribes the death penalty for such offences.
“The evidence before the court clearly shows that the accused intentionally caused the death of the deceased. The law is clear on this, and the punishment is death. Therefore, the accused is hereby sentenced to death by hanging,” Justice Aboki ruled.
Ajayi was arrested on January 12, 2025, after being found in possession of Salome’s severed head while allegedly attempting to dispose of it. The disturbing discovery led to his immediate arrest and a trial that has drawn widespread public outrage.
The deceased, Salome Adaidu, had been serving with Nicon Insurance in Abuja when she visited the singer at his residence, where she was reportedly murdered and dismembered.
In a chilling interview with Channels TV, Ajayi admitted to the crime, claiming he acted out of jealousy.
“I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time… She was cheating. I saw chats with other guys on her phone,” he said.When asked if he regretted his actions, the 32-year-old replied that he had none.
“I don’t have any regrets because life is reciprocal… we were actually compatible,” he added, offering no remorse for the heinous act.
The case has sparked renewed calls for justice reform and greater protection for women in relationships, especially amid a rising wave of gender-based violence in the country.
