Timileyin Ajayi, a 32-year-old man apprehended with the severed head of a 24-year-old serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Salome Adaidu, has revealed the motive behind his brutal act.
He has since been remanded in the custody of the Criminal Investigation Department of the Nasarawa State Police Command in Lafia.
Adaidu, who was serving in Abuja, had reportedly visited Ajayi’s home in the Papalana area of New Karshi, Karu Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, when she met her tragic end.
Ajayi was arrested on Sunday, January 12, while trying to dispose of Adaidu’s severed head after mutilating her body.
He was later paraded at the Nasarawa State Police Command headquarters, where police displayed the knife and machetes allegedly used in the crime.
Visibly bruised from a mob assault before his arrest, Ajayi admitted to the crime in an exclusive interview with Channels Television, claiming it was an impulsive act driven by jealousy.
He explained, “I killed her because we didn’t have each other all the time. It wasn’t something I planned. It just happened on that day. I saw her chats with other guys on her phone, and that’s why I did it.”
When asked if he regretted his actions, Ajayi responded with a lack of remorse: “I don’t regret it because life is reciprocal. If you do something to someone, you must understand their situation. We were compatible, and that’s why I don’t regret it.”
Adaidu’s family, however, denied knowing Ajayi or being aware of any romantic involvement between him and their daughter.
Her elder sister, Esther Adaidu, expressed her shock and anger: “We don’t know this so-called Timi. We had never seen him before we were told he murdered and dismembered our sister. He’s the one who confirmed it to me.”
Her uncle, Samson Adaidu, described the chilling details of the crime, stressing that the family was seeking justice.
“He destroyed our daughter in the most horrific way. He butchered her into over 50 pieces, and it’s clear he was preparing her for consumption, leaving the body parts in multiple bags,” he said.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Nasarawa State, SP Ramhan Nansel, assured the public that justice would be served.
“Investigation is ongoing, and the suspect will face prosecution. We urge anyone with further complaints against him to come forward, and all allegations will be thoroughly investigated,” he stated.
Ajayi, who has been reportedly linked to gospel music, described himself as a cryptocurrency trader during his interview with Channels Television.