By Muhammed Danjuma Ogwu, Lafia
A High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, on Thursday sentenced a gospel singer, Oluwatimileyin Ajayi, to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Salome Adaidu, a 24-year-old serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Justice Simon Aboki, who delivered the judgment, ruled that the prosecution had proven beyond reasonable doubt that the 31-year-old convict deliberately murdered Adaidu at his residence in Papaladna village, Karshi Development Area of Karu Local Government Area in Nasarawa State.
The tragic incident occurred during a visit by the deceased to the convict’s residence.
In his judgment, Justice Aboki dismissed Ajayi’s claim that he was unconscious at the time of the incident and did not knowingly confess to the crime. The court held that his defense lacked credibility and failed to cast reasonable doubt on the prosecution’s case.
“The law is clear on this, and the punishment is death. Therefore, the accused is hereby sentenced to death by hanging,” the judge ruled, citing Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria.
The conviction follows several months of trial during which key evidence was presented, including a confessional statement by the accused, identified as Exhibit L, a machete (Exhibit N1), and small knives (Exhibit N2) allegedly used in the murder.
Speaking shortly after the judgment, prosecuting counsel Raymond Umaru commended the court’s decision, stating that the confession matched witness testimonies and other forensic evidence presented during the trial.
“Our position has been that Exhibit L, the confessional statement, aligns with all the facts and should carry the weight it deserves. Justice has been served,” Umaru said.
In his final submissions at the previous court session on May 20, 2025, Umaru had urged the court to impose the maximum penalty under the law, stressing that the evidence was overwhelming and consistent.
On the other hand, the defense counsel, Joseph Tuku-Bisong, had argued that the exhibits tendered in court should not carry probative value, and prayed the court to discharge and acquit the defendant.
However, the court held that the evidence, particularly the defendant’s own confession, was credible and corroborated by the testimonies of other witnesses.
The judgment brings closure to a case that shocked many and sparked calls for justice from civil society groups and the NYSC community. The family of the deceased was present in court for the verdict.