A High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State has sentenced gospel singer Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Salome Adaidu, a serving NYSC corps member.
The tragic incident occurred at the convict’s residence in Papaladna village, Karshi Development Area of Karu LGA, Nasarawa State. The 31-year-old Ajayi was accused of murdering the 24-year-old corps member when she came to visit him. After months of trial, the court ruled on Thursday that the evidence presented by the prosecution proved his guilt beyond all reasonable doubt.
Presiding over the case, Justice Simon Aboki rejected Ajayi’s claim that he lost consciousness after spending time with his girlfriend and was unaware when he wrote his confession. The judge stated that Ajayi’s statement aligned with the facts provided by witnesses and physical evidence, including a machete and knives presented in court.
Ajayi was convicted under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, which mandates a death sentence for the crime of murder. “The law is clear on this, and the punishment is death. Therefore, the accused is hereby sentenced to death by hanging,” Justice Aboki declared in court.
According to the prosecuting counsel, Raymond Umaru, Ajayi’s confessional statement (marked as Exhibit L) was consistent with other testimonies and supported by physical exhibits, urging the court to deliver the maximum punishment.
On the other hand, the defense counsel, Joseph Tuku-Bisong, argued that although the exhibits were admitted in court, their probative value should be questioned. He urged the court to discharge and acquit his client, stating there was insufficient weight to the evidence.
The judgment marks a tragic end to a heartbreaking case that sparked public outrage and reignited discussions around gender-based violence and the safety of women in Nigeria.
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