The High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced gospel singer and social media personality Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the brutal murder of 24-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Salome Adaidu.
Justice Simon Aboki delivered the verdict on Thursday, June 26, 2025, ruling that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
Ajayi was found guilty of killing and dismembering the young corps member, whom he claimed to be his lover—a crime that shocked the nation earlier this year.
The incident occurred on Sunday, January 12, 2025, when Ajayi was arrested near a church in Orozo, a town on the border between Abuja and Nasarawa State. He was caught in possession of a sack containing Salome’s severed head.
Following his arrest, he led authorities to the remains of her dismembered body, which he had attempted to dispose of.
Ajayi, known for his gospel music and motivational fitness content online, was charged with one count of culpable homicide, contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, which carries the death penalty.
Throughout the trial, Ajayi made headlines for his courtroom behaviour—at one point, he was captured on video praying fervently during a court appearance.
However, Justice Aboki dismissed the theatrics, stating that the overwhelming evidence, including forensic findings and Ajayi’s own confession, clearly linked him to the crime.
The case drew national attention not only for its gruesome nature but also due to Ajayi’s public status as a gospel artiste.
With the court’s ruling, Oluwatimileyin Ajayi now faces execution by hanging, bringing a tragic and horrifying case to a close.