The High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the gruesome murder of Salome Adaidu, a 24-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Delivering the judgment, Justice Simon Aboki found the 32-year-old Ajayi guilty of culpable homicide, in violation of Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, which prescribes the death penalty.
Ajayi was arrested on January 12, 2025, following the discovery of Adaidu’s dismembered body. The victim, who had been serving with Nicon Insurance in Abuja, was allegedly in a romantic relationship with Ajayi and had traveled to visit him at his residence in the Papalana area of New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.
Authorities apprehended Ajayi while he was reportedly attempting to dispose of Adaidu’s severed head. The police recovered the weapons used in the attack, including a knife and machetes, which were paraded alongside the suspect.
During an earlier interview with Channels Television, Ajayi confessed to the crime, admitting he acted out of jealousy after discovering messages on Adaidu’s phone which he interpreted as evidence of infidelity.
“Yes,” he said when asked if he killed her. “I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time. It’s not something I planned — it happened that day. She was cheating. She hid things from me. I saw her chats with other guys. That was why I decided.”
When further questioned about remorse, Ajayi said he had no regrets.
“I don’t have any regrets because life is reciprocal,” he said. “If you must do something to someone, you have to be reciprocal with that person. You have to understand what that person is going through so you can put yourself in their position.”
Justice Aboki, in his ruling, described the crime as “inhuman and barbaric,” affirming that justice must be served not only for the victim and her family but also to send a strong message against gender-based violence and senseless killings.
