A High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria, has begun hearing the murder trial of 32-year-old gospel singer Oluwatimilehin Daniel Ajayi, accused of killing and dismembering Salome Adaidu, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member.
Ajayi, who was escorted to court under heavy security, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Nasarawa State Attorney General, Hauwa Samuel Jugbo, has taken over the prosecution.
During the hearing, the prosecution called three witnesses, including the Divisional Police Officer of Karshi Police Station and the victim’s uncle, Mr. Adaidu Samson. Mr. Samson testified that he recognized his niece’s severed head when it was found inside a polythene bag.
The defense, led by Joseph Tuku Bisong, questioned whether forensic investigations had been conducted to confirm the victim’s identity. The court allowed an amendment to the defendant’s name, correcting it to his full legal name.
Justice Simon Aboki adjourned the case to Tuesday for further hearing.
Ajayi was arrested on February 12 over the gruesome murder and dismemberment of the 24-year-old corps member.
