The High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the murder of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Salome Adaidu. Justice Simon Aboki, who delivered the ruling, found Ajayi guilty of killing and dismembering Adaidu, convicting him of culpable homicide under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, which is punishable by death.
Ajayi, 32, was arrested on Sunday, January 12, 2025, after allegedly murdering Adaidu at his residence in the Papalana area of New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area. Adaidu, 24, was serving with Nicon Insurance in Abuja at the time of her death. According to police reports, Ajayi was caught while attempting to dispose of her severed head. Law enforcement agents also recovered the knife and machetes he allegedly used in the crime.
In an interview with Channels Television, Ajayi admitted to the killing, stating that it was unplanned but triggered by feelings of betrayal. He claimed he discovered messages on Adaidu’s phone indicating she was in contact with other men.“Yes,” he said when asked if he killed her. “It’s not something I planned. It happened on that day… She hides most of the things from me most time. I got to know from her phone… that was why I decided.”
Ajayi also expressed no remorse for his actions. “I don’t have any regrets because life is reciprocal… If you must do something to someone, you have to be reciprocal with that person. You have to understand what that person is going through so that you can put yourself in the position that the person is going through,” he added.
Justice Aboki’s ruling brings a legal conclusion to a case that drew public outrage and renewed calls for stronger protections for women and corps members in Nigeria.
Source : https://www.channelstv.com/2025/06/26/court-sentences
