Nasarawa High Court sentences Gospel Singer to death for murder of NYSC girlfriend

The High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced gospel singer Timileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Salome Adaidu, a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Presiding over the case on Thursday, June 26, Justice Simon Aboki found the 32-year-old musician guilty of culpable homicide, as defined under Section 221 of the Penal Code applicable in northern Nigeria.

Delivering the judgment, Justice Aboki said:

“The evidence before the court clearly shows that the accused intentionally caused the death of the deceased. The law is clear on this, and the punishment is death. Therefore, the accused is hereby sentenced to death by hanging.”

The conviction follows a months-long trial which uncovered chilling details of the murder.

Ajayi had confessed to the killing in January 2025, telling investigators that he acted out of jealousy and anger after allegedly discovering that Adaidu was unfaithful.

Local media reported that the gospel singer was apprehended with dismembered body parts of the victim and has since been in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Nasarawa State Police Command.

In a disturbing interview with Channels Television following his arrest, Ajayi showed no remorse for the crime.

“I killed her because we didn’t have each other all the time. It wasn’t planned, it just happened that day. She was cheating and hiding things from me. I found chats on her phone with other guys,” he said.

Justifying his actions, Ajayi added:

“I don’t have any regrets because life is reciprocal… You have to understand what the other person is going through to know how to respond. That’s why I don’t regret it—we were compatible.”

The case has sparked outrage across the country, with rights advocates calling for greater efforts to address gender-based violence and protect young women, particularly those serving under the NYSC program.

Salome Adaidu’s family and friends have called for justice throughout the trial, describing her as a promising and dedicated young woman whose life was tragically cut short.

The court’s ruling brings closure to a case that has gripped the nation and reignited conversations about intimate partner violence and justice for victims.

Story by: Think News Online