Timileyin Ajayi, a gospel singer, has been remanded at the Lafia Correctional Facility in Nasarawa State for the alleged murder and beheading of Salome Eleojo Adaidu, a 24-year-old member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Ajayi, 32, was charged with culpable homicide punishable by death under Section 221 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria. The court ordered his remand pending formal arraignment and trial.
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Shocking Incident
The incident occurred in New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. According to reports, Salome had travelled to visit Ajayi, but the visit ended in tragedy.
Ajayi was apprehended during a Sunday service in Orozo, Abuja, where church members discovered he was carrying a sack containing the severed head of a young woman. A congregant, acting on suspicion, inspected the sack and uncovered the horrifying contents.
Police Investigation
Ajayi confessed to the crime during questioning, claiming that frustration over infidelity and other personal issues led to the act. He alleged that Salome had been unfaithful and hidden details of her life from him, which he discovered through her phone.
“I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time. It’s not something I planned,” Ajayi said during an interview. He further admitted, “I don’t regret it because life is reciprocal.”
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Police displayed the weapons used in the crime, including a knife and machetes, as part of their investigation.
Legal Proceedings
Ajayi’s case has been adjourned for formal arraignment, and legal experts predict a high-profile trial due to the gruesome nature of the crime.
Public Reaction
The murder of Salome Eleojo has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for justice and improved measures to prevent such tragedies. The NYSC has extended condolences to the victim’s family, describing her as a dedicated and promising individual.