Singer Oluwatimilehin Ajayi Faces 3 Witnesses Over Salome’s Murder
A High Court in Lafia, presided over by Justice Simon Aboki, on Monday commenced hearing in the murder case against 32-year-old singer Oluwatimilehin Daniel Ajayi, who is accused of killing and dismembering a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Salome Adaidu.
Ajayi, who was brought to the court under heavy security from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), pleaded not guilty to the charge.
It marked the beginning of the trial of Ajayi, the suspected killer of Salome Adaidu at High Court 2 in Lafia, the capital of Nasarawa State.
The witnesses, who submitted their statements as evidence in court, claimed that the victim’s body was found in Ajayi’s possession.
During Monday’s session, the prosecutors requested to correct the suspect’s name from Timileyin Ajayi to Oluwatimileyin Daniels Ajayi.
Three witnesses explained to the court how the accused, Oluwatimileyin Ajayi, was involved in the killing of Salome Adaidu.
They were then questioned by the defence lawyer.
After hearing the arguments, Justice Simon Aboki adjourned the case, setting the next trial dates for March 17 to March 20.
During the proceedings, the Attorney General of Nasarawa State, Hauwa Samuel Jugbo, officially took over the prosecution from the police.
Three witnesses took the stand, including: Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Karshi Police Station and the victim’s uncle, Mr. Adaidu Samson.
During cross-examination, defense counsel Joseph Tuku Bisong asked whether forensic investigations had been conducted to confirm the victim’s identity.
Mr. Samson responded that he immediately recognized his niece’s severed head when it was retrieved from a polythene bag.
Following the testimonies, Justice Aboki adjourned the case to Tuesday for further proceedings.
Ajayi, popularly known as Timilehin Ajayi, was arrested on February 12 for allegedly murdering and dismembering 24-year-old Salome Adaidu, a serving NYSC member.
