Court sentences Salome Adaidu’s killer to death by hanging

The High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the murder of a National Youth Service Corps member, Salome Adaidu. 

Justice Simon Aboki found Ajayi guilty of killing and dismembering Adaidu. 

On Sunday, January 12, 2025, Oluwatimileyin, a gospel singer, fitness enthusiast, and content creator who motivates his followers on social media, was caught with a sac containing the severed head of Salome near a church in Orozo, a border town between Nasarawa and Abuja. 

After his arrest, he led police to the remaining parts of Salome’s body, which had been chopped up into small bits. 

He was detained and charged with one count of culpable homicide contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria and punishable by death. 

As court proceedings began, Timileyin Ajayi put on a religious act in court. During a court appearance, he was filmed praying in his seat. 

On Thursday, June 26, Justice Simon Aboki ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt and that the evidence established Ajayi’s responsibility for the gruesome crime. 

Ajayi was then sentenced to death by hanging.