By Safiyat Muhammed
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.
Nasarawa State Government Takes Over Prosecution
During the proceedings, the Attorney General of Nasarawa State, Hauwa Samuel Jugbo, officially took over the prosecution from the police.
Prosecution counsel Raymond Umar moved a motion to amend the defendant’s name from Timilehin Ajayi to his full name, Oluwatimilehin Daniel Ajayi. Justice Aboki granted the request after confirming the name from the accused.
Witnesses Testify
Three witnesses took the stand, including:
- The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Karshi Police Station
- The deceased’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.
Adjournment for Further Hearing
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.