BREAKING: Court sentences Gospel Singer to death over murder of Corps Member, Salome, in Nasarawa

The High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the gruesome murder of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Salome Adaidu.

Justice Simon Aboki delivered the judgment, finding Ajayi guilty of culpable homicide, an offence contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria.

Ajayi, a 32-year-old gospel singer, was arrested on January 12, 2025, after he was caught attempting to dispose of Salome’s severed head.

Investigations revealed that the 24-year-old corps member was killed and dismembered when she visited Ajayi at his residence in the Papalana area of New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area.

During interrogation, Ajayi confessed to the crime, claiming jealousy and suspicion of infidelity as his motives. He admitted to killing Salome after checking her phone and discovering conversations with other men, though he insisted it wasn’t a premeditated act.

“This is not something I planned. It happened that day because she was hiding things from me, and I saw chats with other guys. That’s why I decided,” he had stated.

The incident caused widespread shock, especially within the NYSC community and across Nasarawa State.

Following his arrest and trial, Justice Aboki ruled that the evidence against Ajayi was overwhelming and sentenced him to death by hanging.