Breaking News: Timileyin Ajayi denies guilt in the murder of Salome Adaidu

Timileyin Ajayi, accused of killing Salome Adaidu, has pleaded not guilty to a charge of culpable homicide punishable by death. The 32-year-old was arraigned on Monday before Justice Simon Aboki of the High Court of Justice in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State.

Ajayi is facing a count charge of culpable homicide punishable under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, which relates to offences punishable by death. Upon entering his plea, the suspect denied the allegations.

The case centres on the murder of 24-year-old Salome Adaidu, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving at Nicon Insurance in Abuja. She was reportedly killed during a visit to Ajayi’s residence in the Papalana area of New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

The police had earlier paraded Ajayi along with the murder weapon to the public. The suspect was apprehended on Sunday, 12 January 2025, while attempting to dispose of Adaidu’s severed head after dismembering her body.

In an interview, Ajayi admitted to the killing, claiming it was unplanned and motivated by feelings of betrayal. “I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time. It wasn’t planned. It happened that day, and it happened,” he explained.

He alleged that Adaidu had been unfaithful, citing incriminating messages found on her phone. “She was cheating. She hid things from me, and I saw her chats with other men,” Ajayi stated.

When asked whether he regretted his actions, Ajayi said he did not. “I don’t have any regrets because life is reciprocal. If you do something to someone, you should understand what they are going through. We were compatible, and that’s why I don’t feel remorseful,” he added.

The case has attracted significant public attention, with many awaiting further developments as the trial progresses.