Gospel Artist Sentenced to Death by Hanging for Gruesome Murder
A Nasarawa State High Court has sentenced gospel artist Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the brutal murder of Salome Adaidu, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member. The shocking case, which garnered significant public attention due to its gruesome nature and Ajayi's public identity, culminated in the recent verdict.
The incident that led to Ajayi's arrest unfolded in January 2025 in Orozo, a community situated on the border of Abuja and Nasarawa State. Ajayi was apprehended during a church service after concerned church members noticed his suspicious behavior.
According to reports, congregants grew suspicious of Ajayi's movements and observed him attempting to discard a black nylon bag into a nearby river. When confronted, he initially denied any wrongdoing but later tried to flee. After a pursuit, he was apprehended, and the contents of the bag were revealed: the decapitated head of Salome Adaidu, who was later identified as his girlfriend and an NYSC corps member.
Sources indicate that Ajayi reportedly confessed to the killing. While the full motive behind the heinous act has not been extensively detailed in public reports, some accounts suggest he expressed "no regret killing her."
Ajayi was subsequently charged with culpable homicide punishable by death. Despite initially pleading not guilty when arraigned in court in Lafia, the court has now delivered its judgment, sentencing him to death by hanging. The verdict brings a tragic end to a case that has deeply disturbed many across the nation.
