Nigerian gospel singer sentenced to death for beheading girlfriend

Nigerian gospel singer, Oluwatimileyin Ajayi, has been sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of his ex girlfriend, Salome Adaidu, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member.

The verdict was delivered by Justice Simon Aboki of the High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, who found Ajayi guilty of culpable homicide.

He was convicted under Section 221 of the Penal Code, which prescribes the death penalty for such offenses in Northern Nigeria.

Salome Adaidu was serving with Nicon Insurance in Abuja at the time of her death.

In January 2025, Ajayi was arrested by police after he was found in possession of her severed head.

During a televised interview with Channels TV, Ajayi confessed to the crime, claiming he acted out of jealousy and emotional distress.

He admitted that the act was not premeditated but triggered by his discovery of her alleged infidelity.

“I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time. It’s not something I planned, it just happened,” he said.

Ajayi alleged that he found incriminating messages on Adaidu’s phone, which led to his decision to take her life.

“She was cheating. She hid a lot from me. I saw chats with other guys on her phone, that was why I decided,” he added.

Shockingly, the gospel singer expressed no remorse for his actions.

“I don’t have any regrets because life is reciprocal, that’s what I thought. If you must do something to someone, you have to be reciprocal with that person,” he said.

Ajayi’s conviction and sentencing have drawn widespread attention, given the brutal nature of the crime and his lack of remorse.

Source Ghanaweb