Timileyin Ajayi, 32, has been remanded in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Nasarawa State Police Command in Lafia, for the alleged murder of 24-year-old corps member Salome Adaidu.
Adaidu, serving in Abuja, was reportedly killed during a visit to Ajayi’s residence in the Papalana area of New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.
Ajayi was arrested on Sunday, January 12, while attempting to dispose of Adaidu’s severed head after dismembering her body. He was later paraded at the Nasarawa State Police Command headquarters, along with the knife and machetes allegedly used in the crime.
Appearing visibly injured from a mob attack prior to his arrest, Ajayi admitted to the killing during an interview with Channels Television. He claimed it was unplanned and driven by jealousy.
“I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time. It’s not something I planned,” Ajayi said. “I discovered chats on her phone with other guys, and I decided to act. I don’t have any regrets because I believe life is reciprocal.”
Adaidu’s family denied any knowledge of a relationship between her and the suspect. Her elder sister, Esther Adaidu, called for justice, stating, “This so-called Timi guy, we don’t know him. He murdered and dismembered our sister.”
Her uncle, Samson Adaji Adaidu, described the gruesome details, saying, “He butchered her body into more than 50 pieces. It looked as though he was preparing the body for consumption, leaving the remains in six polythene bags.”
Police Public Relations Officer SP Ramhan Nansel assured the public that justice would be served. “Upon conclusion of the investigation, he will be arraigned in court. We urge anyone with complaints against the suspect to come forward,” he said.
While some media reports identified Ajayi as a gospel singer, he referred to himself as a cryptocurrency trader during the interview.