The Nasarawa State Government has officially taken over the prosecution of Timileyin Ajayi, who was apprehended with the severed head of Salome Adaidu, a National Youth Service Corps member.
In a statement released on March 10, 2025, the state’s Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hauwa Jugbo, confirmed that her office would lead the legal proceedings against Ajayi.
“The Office of the Honourable Attorney-General of Nasarawa State has assumed responsibility for the prosecution of Mr. Timileyin Ajayi, the defendant charged with the gruesome murder of the late Salome Adaidu,” Jugbo stated.
She emphasized that the decision reflects Governor Abdullahi A. Sule’s dedication to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice for all residents, regardless of ethnicity, gender, or religion.
To guarantee a thorough legal process, Jugbo announced that a team from the Ministry of Justice would be handling the case.
“I will personally lead a team of law officers from the Nasarawa State Ministry of Justice to prosecute this matter to its logical conclusion,” she assured. “The ministry remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring justice is served in all cases involving violations of the law.”
Ajayi was initially arrested by the Nasarawa State Police Command on January 12 and later charged with culpable homicide, a crime punishable by death.
Following court proceedings on January 27, the Officer-in-Charge of Legal Affairs at the Nasarawa State Police Command, Stanley Nwaforagu, reaffirmed the police’s determination to see the case through despite Ajayi’s plea of not guilty.
“The court is committed to a speedy and accelerated trial, which is a positive development,” Nwaforagu said. “We have overwhelming evidence to sustain the charge, and we remain optimistic that justice will be served.”
