Gospel singer Ajayi to die by hanging for murdering NYSC member
Abdullateef Fowewe
The High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced 32-year-old gospel singer Oluwatimileyin “Timileyin” Ajayi to death by hanging for the brutal murder and dismemberment of 24-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Salome Adaidu.
Justice Simon Aboki, who delivered the judgment on Thursday, found Ajayi guilty of culpable homicide under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, a charge punishable by death.
The court ruled that the evidence, including Ajayi’s confession and forensic findings, proved beyond reasonable doubt that the killing was intentional and gruesome.
Ajayi was arrested in January 2025 after being caught carrying Adaidu’s severed head near Orozo, a border community between Abuja and Nasarawa.
He confessed to killing her in a fit of jealousy after discovering her alleged infidelity through her phone chats.
Salome Adaidu was murdered at Ajayi’s residence in the Papalana area of New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area.
The case had drawn national outrage due to its brutality and the victim’s status as an NYSC member serving in Abuja.
