A High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has handed a death sentence to gospel musician Oluwatimileyin Ajayi, also known as Timileyin Daniels, for the gruesome murder of 24-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Salome Eleojo Adaidu.
Justice Simon Aboki, who presided over the case, found Ajayi guilty of intentionally killing Salome in a crime that sparked widespread public outrage and drew national attention.
Ajayi was apprehended in January 2025 after authorities discovered Salome’s severed head in his possession, wrapped in a polythene bag. Investigators alleged that he killed her in a jealous rage over accusations of infidelity. Despite later pleading not guilty, Ajayi’s earlier confession and damning witness testimonies convinced the court of his guilt.
Delivering his judgment, Justice Aboki described the act as deliberate and chilling. “The accused committed a deliberate and horrifying act. The court finds him guilty as charged and hereby sentences him to death by hanging,” he ruled.
The verdict brings to a close a months-long legal battle that has gripped the nation and reignited conversations about gender-based violence and mental health in relationships.
