Timileyin Ajayi, the embattled gospel singer who butchered his alleged girlfriend Salome Adaidu, has pleaded not guilty to the murder charge despite his earlier confession to the crime.
The 32-year-old Ajayi was charged with culpable homicide punishable by death at the Nasarawa State High Court on January 17, under Section 221 of the Penal Code. The court ordered Ajayi to be held at the Lafia Correctional Facility until further hearings.
Ajayi was arrested on January 12 in New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area, with Adaidu’s severed head in a polythene bag.
Police investigation showed that he had dismembered the victim’s body into more than 50 pieces after killing her at his residence, allegedly driven by jealousy over suspicions of infidelity.
During his parade at the Nasarawa State Police Command headquarters, Ajayi confessed to the crime, claiming jealousy and suspicions of infidelity drove him to kill Adaidu during her visit.
He admitted to using a knife and machete to dismember her body, placing the remains in polythene bags.
“I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time. It’s not something I planned. It happened on that day and it happened. Not that I had the plan in mind, she was cheating.
However, during his court appearance on Monday, January 27, Ajayi pleaded not guilty, prompting public outrage and calls for justice from advocacy groups and Adaidu’s family.
Watch the video where Timileyin Ajayi arrived for his court proceedings below:
𝐒𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐀𝐝𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐮: 𝐓𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐲𝐢𝐧 𝐀𝐣𝐚𝐲𝐢 𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐂𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐭
Timileyin Ajayi, the suspected murderer of Salome Adaidu has pleaded not guilty to the killing of the National Youth Service Corps member who died a few weeks ago at his… pic.twitter.com/NekuBcCn8w
— Punch Newspapers (@MobilePunch) January 27, 2025
Ajayi pleading not guilty spread shockwaves across the social media platforms. Some reactions are shown below:
@falaqamin said, “Now they calling him “suspected” killer ?!!!! I’m mad and heartbroken right now.”
@dave_jimm said, “In 2 years’ time this case will still be in court. In America, for example, court proceedings are held everyday immediately trial commences and most times, judgement is given within 2 weeks of commencement of trial.”
@lozieben said, “Werey still pleads not guilty … 😂.. human being Nawa oo.”
@UhunomaEtinosa said, “What about that guy last year we have not heard anything about his own case and him being charged to court.”
@tilahszn said, “not guilty as how again😂.”