Timileyin Ajayi, the prime suspect in the murder of Salome Adaidu, has been arraigned before the High Court of Justice in Lafia, Nasarawa State. He faces a charge of culpable homicide, punishable by death, under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria.
Ajayi appeared in court on Monday before Justice Simon Aboki, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case has been adjourned to the 17th to 20th day of March for trial.
Prosecution’s statement
Stanley Nwaforagwu, the prosecuting counsel, spoke to the press following the arraignment. “The defendant was properly arraigned and pleaded not guilty to the charge of culpable homicide,” Nwaforagwu said. “We have overwhelming evidence to support the charge and are confident that justice will prevail. The court has expressed its commitment to an expedited trial.”
Defense counsel’s response
Joseph Tukur, representing the defense, remarked, “Today’s session was for arraignment. The law requires that the defendant enter his plea, which he has done. Our next step is to ensure that the prosecution proves its case beyond a reasonable doubt. My role is to ensure that the legal process is followed correctly.”
Family’s legal representation
Jibrin Okutekpa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, led the legal team representing the family of the deceased. “We are here to monitor the proceedings on behalf of the deceased’s family,” Okutekpa said. “This is a matter of national significance, and we are committed to ensuring that justice is served.”
Disturbing details of the crime
Ajayi, 32, has been charged with the murder of his 24-year-old girlfriend, Salome Adaidu, who was a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). She had been serving at Nicon Insurance in Abuja at the time of her death.
Salome was killed after visiting Ajayi at his home in the Papalana area of New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State. Police recovered a knife and machetes used in the crime when they arrested Ajayi.
On January 12, 2025, Ajayi was apprehended while attempting to dispose of Salome’s severed head. In an exclusive interview, he confessed to the crime, explaining that it was unplanned. “It wasn’t something I planned,” Ajayi stated. “It happened because we weren’t together all the time. I found out she was cheating through her phone, and that’s why I decided to kill her.”
When asked if he regretted his actions, Ajayi replied, “No, I don’t have any regrets. Life is reciprocal. You have to understand what the other person is going through to put yourself in their shoes. That’s why I don’t regret it—I felt we were compatible.”
