A High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced 31-year-old gospel singer, Oluwatimileyin Ajayi, to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, 24-year-old corps member, Salome Adaidu. The tragic incident occurred at Ajayi’s residence in Papaladna village, under Karu Local Government Area.
Presiding over the case, Justice Simon Aboki ruled that the prosecution had provided strong evidence beyond reasonable doubt, including a confessional statement and witness testimonies, linking Ajayi to the crime. The court dismissed the convict’s claim that he was unconscious when the murder happened and when he gave his statement.
Justice Aboki convicted Ajayi under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, which prescribes the death penalty for murder. “The law is clear on this, and the punishment is death. Therefore, the accused is hereby sentenced to death by hanging,” the judge declared.
The prosecution, led by Raymond Umaru, argued that Ajayi’s confessional statement aligned with other facts of the case and should carry full weight in court. However, Ajayi’s lawyer, Joseph Tuku-Bisong, urged the court to disregard the evidence, claiming it lacked probative value. Despite the defense’s plea, the court ruled for the maximum penalty.