In a dramatic court appearance Monday morning, gospel artist Timileyin Ajayi entered a not guilty plea to charges of culpable homicide in the death of 24-year-old Salome Adaidu, despite his earlier confession to police. The 32-year-old singer stood before Justice Simon Aboki at the High Court of Justice in Lafia, Nasarawa State, where he faces a single count of culpable homicide.
If convicted, the charge carries the death penalty under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria. The case has shocked the community since Ajayi’s arrest on January 12 for the murder of Adaidu, a National Youth Service Corps member who had been working at Nicon Insurance in Abuja.
The young woman’s life was cut short during a visit to Ajayi’s residence in the Papalana axis of New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area. The case has taken an unexpected turn with Ajayi’s not guilty plea, particularly given his brazen statements during his initial police parade.
At that time, he had openly admitted to killing Adaidu, whom he identified as his girlfriend, claiming he had “no regrets” and alleging infidelity as his motive.
