GOSPEL SINGER OLUWATIMILEYIN AJAYI SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR BRUTAL MURDER OF NYSC MEMBER
A High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced gospel singer Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the murder and dismemberment of Salome Adaidu, a 24-year-old National Youth Service Corps member. Justice Simon Aboki delivered the judgment, finding Ajayi guilty of culpable homicide under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria. According to Justice Aboki, “The evidence before the court clearly shows that the accused intentionally caused the death of the deceased. The law is clear on this, and the punishment is death. Therefore, the accused is hereby sentenced to death by hanging.” Ajayi was arrested in January after being caught with Adaidu’s severed head. He confessed to the crime, stating that he killed her due to their lack of quality time together and her alleged infidelity. “I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time… She was cheating. She hides most of the things from me most times. I got to know from her phone. I saw her chats with other guys on the phone, that was why I decided,” Ajayi said during an interview. The court’s decision has sparked discussions on violence and safety in the region, particularly involving young adults and students serving in various capacities. The Nasarawa State Government has, however, shown commitment to improving educational infrastructure, with the governor ordering the procurement of over 15,000 chairs and desks for public primary schools. Meanwhile, the police are actively pursuing perpetrators behind the recent killing of a female farmer in Ondo, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures in rural areas. The Emir of Lafia has also praised the current administration’s transformative efforts, drawing parallels with developments in Lagos.