A Nasarawa State High Court has sentenced singer Timilehin Ajayi to death by hanging for the gruesome murder of Salome Adaidu, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member.
The verdict, delivered on Wednesday, brought an end to a high-profile case that had sparked outrage across the country.
Justice Mustapha Rahman, who presided over the matter, found Ajayi guilty of the charge of murder after months of legal proceedings and emotional testimonies from the victim’s family.
The judge described the killing as “premeditated, cold-blooded, and inexcusable,” noting that the evidence presented by the prosecution overwhelmingly proved the defendant’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Salome Adaidu, a young graduate deployed to Nasarawa for her mandatory NYSC service, was found dead in her apartment in December 2023 under suspicious circumstances.
Investigations revealed that she had been in a relationship with Ajayi, a rising Afrobeats singer who reportedly attacked her following an altercation. Autopsy reports confirmed that she died from severe head trauma and internal bleeding.
The case had attracted widespread media attention and public condemnation, especially on social media, where many Nigerians demanded justice under the trending hashtag #JusticeForSalome.
In a heart-wrenching moment during the trial, Salome’s mother broke down in tears, recalling how her daughter had dreamed of serving her country and pursuing a career in public health. “All she wanted was to make a difference,” she said. “Now, all we have left are memories.”
In his final ruling, Justice Rahman stated: “This court cannot overlook the sanctity of human life. The law must take its full course.
The defendant is hereby sentenced to death by hanging until he is confirmed dead, as prescribed by law for the crime of murder.”
Timilehin Ajayi remained silent as the sentence was passed, showing no visible emotion.
The NYSC has yet to release an official statement, but the verdict has been widely welcomed by rights groups and the general public as a step toward accountability in cases of gender-based violence.
The case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers faced by young women across the country and the urgent need for stronger protections for corps members and vulnerable citizens.
