Nasarawa Court Sentences Gospel Singer to Death by Hanging for Brutal Murder of NYSC Member Salome Adaidu
In a case that shocked many Nigerians due to its horrific details and the shocking profile of the accused, the High Court sitting in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, has sentenced Oluwatimileyin Ajayi, a self-acclaimed gospel singer and fitness enthusiast, to death by hanging for the gruesome murder of a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Salome Adaidu.
The court’s judgment was delivered on Thursday, June 26, 2025, by Justice Simon Aboki, who presided over the trial. After months of hearings and testimonies, the judge ruled that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond reasonable doubt, and that Oluwatimileyin Ajayi was indeed responsible for the cold-blooded killing and dismemberment of the young corps member.
The Shocking Crime That Claimed the Life of Salome Adaidu
The tragedy unfolded on Sunday, January 12, 2025, when 29-year-old Oluwatimileyin Ajayi, who presented himself as a born-again Christian and online motivational speaker, was caught with a sack containing the severed head of 25-year-old Salome Adaidu.
The arrest was made in Orozo, a community situated on the border between Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. According to reports from the police, Oluwatimileyin was seen behaving suspiciously near a church in the area when he was stopped by concerned residents. Upon inspection of the sack he was carrying, a horrifying discovery was made—the decapitated head of a young woman.
Eyewitnesses immediately alerted the police, who arrived and took the suspect into custody. During interrogation, Oluwatimileyin confessed that the head belonged to Salome Adaidu, a corps member who had gone missing days earlier.
Police Recover More Shocking Evidence
Following his confession, the suspect led law enforcement officials to the location where he had hidden the remaining parts of Salome’s body. According to the police, the victim had been chopped into small bits, and her body parts were carefully stashed in different areas.
The brutality of the act sent shockwaves across the country, especially as the victim was not only a young woman full of promise but also a national service member committed to serving her country under the NYSC scheme.
This incident raised renewed concerns about the safety of youth corps members posted across various states in Nigeria, especially in regions plagued by rising insecurity, gender-based violence, and ritualistic killings.
A Gospel Singer With a Dark Side
The case attracted even more public attention due to the profile of the accused, Oluwatimileyin Ajayi. Prior to his arrest, Ajayi had built an online presence as a Christian content creator, fitness coach, and motivational speaker.
He frequently posted Bible verses, inspirational quotes, and videos where he spoke passionately about faith, success, and healthy living. Many of his followers were shocked when his arrest made headlines.
As one online user put it, “How can someone who preached God’s word commit such evil? It’s chilling.”
Trial Proceedings: A Display of Deception?
During the court proceedings at the High Court in Lafia, Oluwatimileyin Ajayi appeared to lean into his religious identity. On several occasions, he was seen praying fervently inside the courtroom, often lifting his hands and whispering words that were assumed to be prayers.
In one widely circulated video clip, he could be seen praying silently in his seat, an act that some interpreted as either repentance or a desperate attempt to manipulate public sympathy.
However, the evidence presented by the prosecution was overwhelming. Forensic reports, eyewitness accounts, and Ajayi’s own confession tied him directly to the barbaric act. The court noted that there was no ambiguity in the facts presented, and that the accused did not dispute his involvement in the killing during most of the proceedings.
The Legal Charges: Culpable Homicide Punishable by Death
Oluwatimileyin Ajayi was charged with one count of culpable homicide under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, which carries the death penalty as punishment.
Throughout the trial, the prosecution built a strong case, detailing how the accused lured Salome Adaidu, murdered her in cold blood, dismembered her body, and then attempted to dispose of her remains.
Justice Simon Aboki, in delivering his verdict, stated clearly that “the prosecution has proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.” He added that the evidence confirmed Ajayi’s responsibility for the crime and that the court had no choice but to apply the full weight of the law.
Death Sentence: “You Shall Be Hanged by the Neck Until You Are Dead”
Following the guilty verdict, the judge proceeded to pronounce the sentence. Oluwatimileyin Ajayi was sentenced to death by hanging.
The words of Justice Aboki were stark and final:
“You, Oluwatimileyin Ajayi, having been found guilty of culpable homicide, punishable under Section 221 of the Penal Code, are hereby sentenced to death by hanging. You shall be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May the Lord have mercy on your soul.”
The courtroom was silent as the sentence was read. Some members of the victim’s family wept quietly, while others expressed relief that justice had been served.
Public Reaction: Justice or Too Late?
The case has reignited national conversations around the safety of corps members, the use of social media to mask evil, and the effectiveness of Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Many Nigerians took to social media to express their views. While some were satisfied with the death sentence, others questioned whether enough had been done to protect Salome while she was alive.
One comment on X (formerly Twitter) read:
“Justice for Salome. But how did a man like that go unnoticed for so long? Let’s start protecting our girls better.”
Another wrote:
“Too many wolves in sheep’s clothing. This case should be a warning. People are not always who they claim to be online.”
A Nation in Mourning, A Family Forever Scarred
For the family of Salome Adaidu, no verdict can truly undo the pain of losing their daughter in such a horrific manner. The young woman, who had dreams of building a career and contributing to national development, was cut down by someone she may have trusted.
The NYSC community, too, mourned her death. Many corps members across the country held candlelight processions in her honor earlier this year, calling for stronger protections and justice for every fallen corps member.
Conclusion: A Reminder of the Fragility of Life
The sentencing of Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging brings some level of closure to one of the most disturbing murder cases in recent Nigerian history. Yet, it also serves as a reminder that evil can wear any mask—even that of a preacher.
As the country reflects on this case, one thing is clear: more must be done to safeguard vulnerable citizens, especially young women who continue to face rising threats from predators hiding in plain sight.
May Salome Adaidu’s soul rest in peace, and may her death inspire reforms in how Nigeria protects its youth.
