Salome Adaidu’s murder: Court sets date for trial as Ajayi pleads not guilty

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

A 32-year-old man, Timileyin Ajayi, on Monday pleaded not guilty to one-count charge of murder filed against him by the police over killing of a youth corper and his alleged girlfriend, Salome Adaidu.

Ajayi was arraigned on one-count charge of culpable homicide punishable with death before Justice Simeon Aboki at the Court 2 in Lafia on Monday.

The Officer-in-Charge, Legal, of the Nasarawa State Police command, Stanley Nwaforagu told journalists after the court proceeding that he pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.

He added that the case has been adjourned to 17th to 20th March for trial.

despite his plea of not guilty to the charge, the Police will continue to follow up on the case until justice is served.

He said, “Today, the 27th day of January 2025, the defendant Mr Timileyin Ajayi was properly arraigned before this honourable court on the one count charge of culpable homicide punishable with death.

“His plea was taken and he pleaded not guilty to the charge. And a date was set for trial. The case is now adjourned to the 17th to 20th day of March for trial.

“The court is desirous of giving it a speedy, accelerated trial and it is a welcome development.

“We have overwhelming evidence to sustain the charge and we are optimistic that justice will be done.”

Timileyin was arrested for killing 24-year-old Salome at his house in the Papalana axis at New Karshi in Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa Stat

He was caught on Sunday, January 12, while trying to dispose of the head of Salome after killing her and dismembering her body parts at his house by members of the community.

A quick intervention by the police stopped attempt to mob his to death by the enraged mob.

However, Timileyin, in an interview after his arrest, said he has no regrets over killing of Salome.

He accused the deceased of infidelity.