Court Sentences Timilehin Ajayi to Death for Killing NYSC Member Salome Adaidu
Gospel singer Timilehin Ajayi has been sentenced to death by hanging for the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Salome Adaidu, a 24-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Nasarawa State.
The judgment was delivered on Wednesday, June 26, 2025, by Justice Simon Aboki of the High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State. Ajayi was convicted of culpable homicide punishable by death under Section 221 of the Penal Code. The court found that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, dismantling Ajayi’s defense that he acted in a moment of confusion or psychological instability.
A Heinous Crime
The crime occurred in January 2025, when Salome Adaidu, a bright and promising graduate serving in Nasarawa, went missing. Her dismembered body was later discovered in Timilehin Ajayi’s residence. Reports indicated that the young woman had visited her boyfriend, not knowing that it would be the last time she would be seen alive. Ajayi was caught attempting to dispose of her severed head, leading to his immediate arrest.
Eyewitness accounts and forensic evidence were pivotal in establishing the sequence of events. The court heard chilling details of how Ajayi lured Salome to his home, murdered her, and proceeded to dismember her body in a calculated effort to conceal the crime. His behavior following the murder—including efforts to flee and destroy evidence—further reinforced the court’s position that the crime was premeditated.
The Trial and Verdict
During the trial, Ajayi’s defense tried to argue diminished responsibility, citing emotional distress and mental instability. However, psychological assessments conducted during the investigation found him fit to stand trial. Justice Aboki, in delivering the judgment, stated:
“The evidence against the defendant is overwhelming. The nature of the crime is cold-blooded and calculated. The court finds the defendant guilty of culpable homicide and hereby sentences him to death by hanging.”
The judge also commended the police for swift action in arresting the perpetrator and ensuring that justice was pursued with diligence.
Public Reaction and National Outrage
News of Salome Adaidu’s murder had already sparked nationwide outrage earlier in the year, especially among youth and women’s groups. The fact that she was an NYSC member serving her country in an unfamiliar state added to the tragedy and ignited broader conversations about the safety of corps members and women in relationships.
Following the verdict, social media platforms have been flooded with reactions. Many have praised the justice system for ensuring accountability, while others expressed sorrow and anger over the loss of yet another young Nigerian woman to gender-based violence.
Several advocacy groups, including the Stand for Her Initiative and the Nigeria Youth Feminist Network, issued statements calling for continuous legal reforms to protect women and swift justice in similar cases.
A Call for Vigilance
While justice has been served in the eyes of the law, the case leaves behind a trail of grief and reflection. Salome Adaidu’s family, who were present during the judgment, held back tears as the verdict was read. “She was full of life, with dreams ahead of her. No one deserves to die that way,” her sister told reporters.
The case also underscores the growing call for mental health awareness, healthy relationship boundaries, and institutional protection for vulnerable persons, especially women.
Timilehin Ajayi now awaits the final stage of his punishment, as the law takes its course. His sentencing marks a tragic close to one of Nigeria’s most disturbing criminal cases in recent memory. Yet it also serves as a chilling reminder that beneath the veil of fame or spirituality, dangerous tendencies can lurk, and that justice, no matter how delayed or painful, must prevail.
If you enjoyed this article, click here to read more informative posts, also check us out on Instagram for fun and engaging content.
Disclaimer: The opinions, views, and information expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy, position, or views of iNaijanow. The company assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, or damages arising from the use of this information.
