Justice Simon Aboki of the Nasarawa State High Court has sentenced Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the murder of a 24-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Salome Adaidu.
The judge found the convict guilty of killing and dismembering the deceased at his residence in Papalana area of New Karshi, describing the act as brutal and in clear violation of the law.
Ajayi was tried on a one-count charge of culpable homicide, contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code applicable in Northern Nigeria, which carries the death penalty.
The case had drawn widespread outrage, particularly among youth groups and gender-based violence advocates, after Adaidu’s dismembered remains were discovered.
Salome Adaidu’s killer, a 32-year-old gospel singer, had initially pleaded not guilty to the charge but showed no remorse throughout the trial proceedings.
The prosecution presented its case, calling witnesses who testified against Salome Adaidu’s killer.
The state government took over the prosecution of the case, ensuring a thorough legal pursuit of justice for the deceased.
The verdict brings a measure of closure to Adaidu’s grieving family and the shocked community of Papalana, where the incident occurred.
With the ruling, Aboki affirmed the court’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of violent crimes.
