The High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the gruesome murder of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Salome Adaidu.
Justice Simon Aboki, who delivered the verdict, found Ajayi guilty of killing and dismembering the young corps member. The convict was charged with one count of culpable homicide, contrary to Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, which is punishable by death.
The court held that the prosecution presented compelling evidence that proved Ajayi’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
Adaidu’s disappearance and murder in 2023 shocked the nation, sparking calls for better protection of corps members across Nigeria. Her mutilated body was discovered days after she had been reported missing while serving in Nasarawa State.
The judgment has been widely seen as a step toward justice and a deterrent against future crimes targeting youth corps members and vulnerable citizens.
