In a shocking turn of events that has gripped Nasarawa State, a High Court has ordered the remand of a self-acclaimed gospel singer, Timilehin Ajayi, after he was apprehended with the severed head of Salome Adaidu, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member. The disturbing incident, which has sent shockwaves across the country, is being investigated as a suspected case of ritual killing.
The Nasarawa State Police Command confirmed the remand in a brief statement shared on its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Friday. According to the statement, Ajayi was charged in court and subsequently remanded in prison custody, pending his formal arraignment. The post read, “Timilehin Ajayi was charged to court today and remanded in prison custody pending his formal arraignment.”
This macabre case first came to light earlier in the week when the story broke of Ajayi’s arrest. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the gospel singer was apprehended by members of his local church after displaying suspicious behavior near a river. Caleb Umaru, the Bible Study Teacher and General Secretary of the church, recounted that a church member had noticed Ajayi behaving oddly and alerted others.
“He was seen throwing a bag into the river. When the bag was retrieved, it contained the severed head of a woman, later identified as Salome Adaidu,” Umaru explained. The gruesome discovery revealed that the victim was none other than Ajayi’s alleged girlfriend.
Further investigations uncovered that Ajayi, who has reportedly confessed to the heinous crime, acted out of jealousy. According to police reports, Ajayi claimed that the deceased had been unfaithful, which, he alleged, drove him to commit the murder. However, this narrative has been vehemently disputed by the family of the victim. They categorically denied any relationship between Adaidu and the accused, instead alleging that she had been kidnapped prior to the incident.
Speaking to reporters (PUNCH Online), the family’s spokesperson expressed their grief and called for justice. “Our sister was never in a relationship with this man. The reports claiming she visited him are false. She was kidnapped and brutally murdered. We demand a thorough investigation and justice for Salome,” the spokesperson said.
This chilling case has raised significant concerns over the growing prevalence of ritual killings in parts of the country. Ritual murder cases often involve individuals seeking wealth or power through purported supernatural means. In recent years, there has been a surge in reports of such crimes, prompting public outcry and demands for stricter laws and better enforcement.
The incident has also brought into question the trust placed in public figures, particularly those in religious circles. Ajayi, who had previously been known as a gospel artist and church member, is now at the center of one of the most disturbing criminal cases in recent memory.
Public reactions have been swift and unrelenting, with many taking to social media to express their outrage. Advocacy groups and human rights organizations have also weighed in, calling for comprehensive measures to address ritual killings and ensure the safety of all citizens, particularly vulnerable groups like young women.
As investigations continue, legal experts have highlighted the need for swift and transparent proceedings. “This is a tragic case that requires not only justice but also systemic reforms to prevent such incidents in the future,” said Barrister Maryam Adeola, a legal practitioner specializing in criminal law.
Meanwhile, the Nasarawa State Police Command has assured the public of its commitment to ensuring justice for the victim. “We understand the sensitivity of this case and are working diligently to bring all culprits to book,” said Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ramatu Aliyu.
As the legal process unfolds, the public’s eyes remain firmly on the justice system to deliver a verdict that reflects the gravity of this horrific crime. For now, the memory of Salome Adaidu serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to address violence and insecurity in society. Her family, and indeed the nation, await justice.
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