Court Sentences Timilehin Ajayi To Death For Killing NYSC Member Salome Adaidu

The High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced self-proclaimed gospel singer and TikTok motivational speaker, Oluwatimileyin Ajayi, to death by hanging for the murder of Salome Adaidu, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member.

Justice Simon Aboki delivered the verdict on Friday, convicting Ajayi of culpable homicide, a crime that violates Section 221 of the Northern Nigerian Penal Code and is punishable by death.

Ajayi, who had been in police custody since January 2025, was found guilty of killing and dismembering 24-year-old Adaidu, who was serving at Nicon Insurance in Abuja. The incident occurred during a visit to his residence in the Papalana area of New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

He was arrested on January 12 while attempting to dispose of the victim’s severed head. During police interrogation, Ajayi admitted to the killing and stated that he and Adaidu had been in a one-year relationship. He claimed a disagreement between them escalated into a violent confrontation, during which she allegedly attempted to stab him, leading to the fatal incident.

Ajayi also confessed that the rest of the victim’s remains were left in his apartment. The tragic murder shocked many, especially after a viral video emerged showing mourners at Adaidu’s burial.

Following the court’s ruling, justice has been formally served in a case that stirred public outrage and underscored concerns over violence against young women in the country.