The High Court sitting in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the murder of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Salome Eleojo Adaidu.
Delivering judgment on the case, Justice Simon Aboki found the 32-year-old defendant guilty of culpable homicide, contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria. Ajayi, a gospel singer, was convicted of killing and dismembering the 24-year-old corps member, whom he identified as his girlfriend.
Ajayi was arrested on Sunday, January 12, 2025, in possession of the victim’s severed head while allegedly attempting to dispose of it. The incident occurred in the Papalana area of New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area, where the victim had reportedly visited him.
During police interrogation, the convict confessed to the crime, claiming it was triggered by suspicions of infidelity. He admitted to killing the victim but denied that the act was premeditated.
The court, however, held that the evidence presented proved beyond reasonable doubt that Ajayi committed the offence. He has been sentenced to death by hanging.
