Timileyin Ajayi, the suspected killer of Salome Adaidu, has been formally arraigned at the High Court of Justice in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State. Ajayi faces a charge of one count of culpable homicide, punishable by death, in violation of Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria.
He appeared before Justice Simon Aboki on Monday, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charge. The case has been adjourned to March 20th for trial.
Following the arraignment, Prosecuting Counsel, Stanley Nwaforagwu briefed journalists, expressing confidence in the case. “The defendant was properly arraigned before the High Court on a charge of culpable homicide punishable by death. He pleaded not guilty, and the court has set the date for trial. We have overwhelming evidence, and we are optimistic that justice will prevail,” Nwaforagwu said.
Defense Counsel, Joseph Tukur also spoke, emphasizing his role in ensuring a fair trial. “My job is to defend the accused and ensure that the prosecution proves its case beyond a reasonable doubt,” Tukur stated. “We will allow the legal process to unfold.”
Representing the deceased’s family, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Jibrin Okutekpa, made it clear that their focus is on justice for Salome Adaidu. “We are here to ensure justice is served. This is a matter of national importance,” Okutekpa said.
Timileyin Ajayi, 32, is accused of murdering his alleged girlfriend, Salome Adaidu, 24, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who had been working at Nicon Insurance in Abuja. The incident occurred when Adaidu visited Ajayi’s residence in the Papalana area of New Karshi, Nasarawa State.
Ajayi was apprehended on January 12, 2025, while attempting to dispose of Adaidu’s severed head after killing and dismembering her body. Police paraded Ajayi along with the knife and machetes used in the crime.
In an exclusive interview, Ajayi admitted to killing Adaidu, explaining that the act was not premeditated. “I killed her because we weren’t always together, and it wasn’t something I planned. It happened that day. I found out she was cheating on me after going through her phone, where I saw her chats with other men. That’s why I decided to act,” he revealed.
Ajayi expressed no remorse for the crime, stating, “I don’t have any regrets. Life is reciprocal, and that’s what I thought. If someone does something to you, you need to understand their position to see things from their perspective. That’s why I don’t regret it — we were compatible.”
The trial is set to resume in March, where further legal proceedings will take place. The case has drawn significant attention due to the brutality of the crime and the disturbing nature of Ajayi’s confession.
