By Charles Pemu 
The High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced Oluwatimileyin Ajayi, a gospel singer and social media content creator, to death by hanging for the murder and dismemberment of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Salome Adaidu.
Delivering judgment today, Thursday, June 26, Justice Simon Aboki declared that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, confirming that Ajayi was responsible for the heinous crime that shocked the nation.
Ajayi, known for his fitness and motivational content online, was arrested on January 12, 2025, near a church in Orozo a community on the Nasarawa-Abuja border, while in possession of a sack containing the severed head of the victim. Following his arrest, he led police to the location where the remaining mutilated parts of Salome’s body were recovered.
The convict was arraigned on a one-count charge of culpable homicide, in violation of Section 221 of the Penal Code applicable in Northern Nigeria, which carries the death penalty.
Throughout the trial, Ajayi maintained a religious posture, even drawing attention during one court session when he was filmed praying from his seat. However, the court dismissed his display as a façade, ruling that the evidence against him was overwhelming and damning.
Justice Aboki consequently sentenced Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging, bringing closure to a case that has stirred widespread outrage and demands for justice.