The Nasarawa State High Court in Lafia has fixed June 26, 2025, as the judgment date in the high-profile murder case involving former gospel singer Timileyin Ajayi, who stands accused of killing and dismembering 24-year-old National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Salome Adaidu.
Justice Simon Aboki announced the date on Wednesday after both prosecution and defense teams adopted their final written addresses in court.
The court session experienced a brief delay as it was stood down to allow defense counsel Joseph Tuku Bisson to formally announce his appearance. Upon resumption, Bisson submitted his final written address, urging the court to acquit his client.
"The prosecution has not provided concrete evidence linking my client directly to the crime," Bisson argued, requesting the court to discharge and acquit Ajayi on grounds that the prosecution failed to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
In response, prosecution counsel Joseph Kigbu maintained that the evidence presented during the trial was sufficient to secure a conviction. He called on the judge to dismiss the defense's submission and convict the defendant accordingly.
While adjourning the matter, Justice Aboki commended both counsels for their dedication and thorough approach to the case.
Speaking to journalists after the court session, Kigbu expressed satisfaction with the progress of the trial and confidence in the evidence presented. Meanwhile, defense counsel Bisson reiterated that he had submitted two reliefs to ensure strict adherence to due process.
Timileyin Ajayi was arrested on February 12, 2025, by police officers in Karshi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. He is accused of murdering and mutilating Salome Adaidu, who was serving her one-year mandatory national service in Abuja at the time of her death.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to the gruesome nature of the crime and the victim's status as a youth corps member.
