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A High Court in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, sentenced gospel singer Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging on Thursday for the murder of his girlfriend, Salome Adaidu.
The 31-year-old accused was found guilty of killing the 24-year-old serving corps member when she visited his home in Papaladna village, located in the Karshi Development Area of the Karu Local Government Area in Nasarawa State.
While delivering the verdict, Justice Simon Aboki noted that the prosecution successfully proved that Ajayi killed the victim at his residence.
The court dismissed Ajayi’s argument that he lost consciousness after a good time with Adaidu and was unaware when he wrote his confession.
Following several months of trial, Justice Aboki declared Ajayi guilty and stated he was convicted under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, which mandates the death penalty for such crimes.
"The law is explicit, and the penalty is death. Consequently, the accused is sentenced to death by hanging," ruled Justice Aboki.
In a statement after a court session on May 20, 2025, prosecuting counsel Raymond Umaru requested that the court affirm its legal principles in this case and convict the defendant.
He pointed out that the evidence presented, particularly the confessional statement recognized as Exhibit L, was admitted in court without any challenges and should lead to the maximum sentence dictated by law.
"Our argument is that Exhibit L serves as evidence, consistent with other witness testimonies," he stated.
Defense counsel Joseph Tuku-Bisong highlighted three exhibits pertinent to the case—Exhibit L (the confessional statement), Exhibit N_1 (the machete), and Exhibit N_2 (the small knives).
He urged the court not to assign significant probative value to these exhibits despite their admission. “Our request to the court is for the judge to evaluate the evidence presented and ultimately discharge and acquit the defendant.”
