A High Court sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the brutal murder of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Salome Adaidu.
Justice Simon Aboki delivered the judgment on Thursday, finding Ajayi guilty of culpable homicide, contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria.
Ajayi, a 32-year-old gospel singer, was convicted for killing and dismembering the 24-year-old corps member at his residence in Papalana, New Karshi area of Nasarawa State.
The tragic incident sparked outrage across the country, especially among youth groups and gender-based violence advocates, following the discovery of Adaidu’s mutilated remains.
During the trial, the court heard testimonies from witnesses presented by the prosecution, all pointing to Ajayi’s guilt. Despite initially pleading not guilty, Ajayi showed no remorse throughout the proceedings.
The Nasarawa State Government took over the prosecution to ensure the case was thoroughly pursued and justice served.
Justice Aboki, while delivering the sentence, said the evidence before the court clearly established that Ajayi intentionally killed Adaidu, an act the court described as “gruesome and reprehensible.”
