The High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced 32-year-old Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the murder of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member Salome Adaidu.

Justice Simon Aboki, who delivered the judgment, found Ajayi guilty of culpable homicide after the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that he intentionally killed and dismembered the 24-year-old corps member. The charge was brought under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, which prescribes the death penalty.

The court heard that Adaidu, who was serving with Nicon Insurance in Abuja, had travelled to visit Ajayi — her alleged boyfriend — at his residence in the Papalana area of New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.

Ajayi was arrested on Sunday, January 12, 2025, while attempting to dispose of Adaidu’s severed head. Police said he had murdered and dismembered her during the visit, using knives and machetes recovered at the scene of the crime.

Following his arrest, Ajayi was paraded alongside the weapons allegedly used in the gruesome act.