A High Court sitting in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State, has sentenced gospel singer Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the murder of his 24-year-old girlfriend, Salome Adaidu. The tragic incident occurred in Papaladna village, located in the Karshi Development Area of the state.
Justice Simeon Aboki, who presided over the case, delivered the judgment after finding that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. According to the court, the evidence presented clearly showed that Ajayi was responsible for the death of the young woman, who had visited him at his residence.
During the trial, Ajayi attempted to defend himself by claiming he became unconscious after spending time with the deceased and was not in a proper state of mind when he wrote his confessional statement. However, Justice Aboki dismissed this claim, stating it lacked merit and could not be substantiated.
The case has drawn public attention due to the nature of the crime and the involvement of a known gospel musician. The verdict marks a significant conclusion to a case that has highlighted issues around gender-based violence and justice delivery in Nigeria.
The court’s ruling serves as a stern warning and a reminder of the weight of consequences attached to violent crimes, especially within intimate relationships.
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