Naija Blog — The High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the brutal murder of 24-year-old Salome Adaidu, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Delivering the judgment on Friday, Justice Simon Aboki found Ajayi guilty of culpable homicide, an offense contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, and punishable by death.
Ajayi was arrested in January 2025 and detained by the Nasarawa State Police Command’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) following the shocking murder of Adaidu, who was serving at Nicon Insurance in Abuja.
According to police reports and court documents, Adaidu had visited Ajayi at his residence in the Papalana area of New Karshi, located in the Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, when the crime occurred. The incident escalated into a violent confrontation, culminating in Ajayi killing and dismembering her body.
He was arrested on Sunday, January 12, while attempting to dispose of Adaidu’s severed head.
During interrogation, Ajayi confessed to the crime, stating that he and Adaidu had been in a one-year relationship. He alleged that the murder followed a heated argument and claimed Adaidu tried to stab him with a knife.
“We just don’t have time for each other anymore, and that’s what led to it,” Ajayi reportedly told investigators.
Ajayi, who was known on TikTok for promoting himself as a motivational speaker, admitted that the rest of Adaidu’s remains were hidden inside his home.
The court found his confession credible and damning, leading to the death sentence.
The remains of Salome Adaidu have since been buried, with a viral video showing mourners in tears during her emotional interment.
Justice Aboki, in his ruling, emphasized the gravity of the offense, stating that the law must take its full course.