Timileyin Ajayi, the suspected killer of 24-year-old Salome Adaidu, was arraigned at the High Court of Justice in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Monday, January 26, 2025. Ajayi, 32, faces a charge of culpable homicide punishable by death, under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria.
Despite his earlier confession to the crime, Ajayi pleaded not guilty to the allegations during his court appearance before Justice Simon Aboki. The case revolves around the tragic death of Adaidu, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, who had been posted to Nicon Insurance in Abuja before her untimely demise.
The murder occurred when Salome visited Ajayi at his residence in the Papalana area of New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area in Nasarawa State. Reports reveal that during the visit, Ajayi attacked and murdered her, dismembering her body and attempting to dispose of her head. He was apprehended on Sunday, January 12, 2025, while attempting to dispose of the remains.
In an exclusive interview following his arrest, Ajayi confessed to the crime, stating that his actions were not premeditated but were triggered by feelings of betrayal. "I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time, it’s not something I planned. It happened on that day," he said, adding that he discovered her infidelity through her phone, which led to the violent outburst. Ajayi also expressed that he had no regrets for the crime, stating, “Life is reciprocal... if you must do something to someone, you have to be reciprocal with that person.”
The case has drawn significant public attention, especially given the gruesome nature of the crime and Ajayi's initial admission of guilt. As the legal proceedings unfold, the public awaits further developments in this tragic and disturbing case.