A High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has handed down a death sentence to gospel singer Oluwatimileyin Ajayi for the gruesome murder of Salome Adaidu, a 24-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member. The ruling, delivered by Justice Simon Aboki, has gripped the nation, sparking debates about justice, gender-based violence, and the role of the judiciary in deterring heinous crimes.
The tragic events unfolded when Salome Adaidu visited Ajayi at his home in the Papalana area of New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.
According to police reports, Ajayi allegedly murdered Adaidu and dismembered her body, hiding the remains within his residence.
The crime was uncovered when neighbors reported a foul smell, leading to the discovery of Adaidu’s severed head and other body parts.
Ajayi was arrested and charged with culpable homicide under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, which carries the death penalty for premeditated murder.
During the trial, Ajayi initially pleaded not guilty but later confessed to the crime in court. He claimed to have acted out of jealousy after discovering messages on Adaidu’s phone that suggested infidelity.
Emotional Testimonies and Courtroom Drama
The courtroom was tense as family members and friends of the deceased wept openly. Adaidu’s mother, visibly distraught, described her daughter as a “bright, loving, and promising young woman whose life was cut short by senseless violence.” She thanked the court for delivering justice.
Ajayi, who once led worship sessions in local churches, showed little remorse throughout the proceedings. In a chilling statement, he said, “I didn’t plan to kill her.
She is always cheating, she hides most things from me. I discovered she was cheating when I saw her phone, so I got angry seeing her chat with other guys, and that’s why I killed her.”
Legal and Social Reactions
Legal experts have commended the swift judgment, noting that such cases often drag on for years in Nigeria’s justice system.
The prosecution team, led by State Counsel Mr. David Ogbole, emphasized the importance of the verdict as a deterrent to gender-based violence.
Civil society organizations and women’s rights groups have used the case to call for greater protection for women and stricter enforcement of laws against domestic violence.
A spokesperson for the Nigerian Women’s Trust Fund stated, “No woman should live in fear of violence from those they trust. This judgment sends a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated.”
The case has dominated headlines and social media platforms across Nigeria. On Twitter, the hashtag **usticeForSalome trended for days, with many users expressing shock at the brutality of the crime and relief at the court’s decision.
Some commentators have called for mental health support for young people and better relationship counseling in religious and community settings.
Quote of the Day
“Justice delayed is justice denied. Today, we are grateful that our daughter’s case did not join the long list of forgotten tragedies. We hope this verdict brings comfort to other families suffering in silence.”
— Mrs. Adaidu, Mother of Salome Adaidu
The sentencing of Oluwatimileyin Ajayi marks a significant moment in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle against gender-based violence. While the verdict brings some closure to Salome Adaidu’s family, it also serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that lurk behind closed doors. As the nation reflects on this case, the call for justice, protection, and mental health awareness grows louder, urging society to do more to safeguard its most vulnerable members.
