Salome’s murder: Nasarawa govt takes over prosecution

Forum 4 days ago

Salome’s murder: Nasarawa govt takes over prosecution

The Nasarawa State Government has officially taken over the prosecution of Timilehin Ajayi, the 32-year-old man accused of killing Salome Adaidu, a 24-year-old corps member.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Hauwa Samuel Jugbo, announced the decision in a letter addressed to the Commissioner of Police on Friday, March 7, 2025.

She cited Section 211(1) of the Nigerian Constitution, which empowers her office to assume control of criminal prosecutions.

According to the letter, Barrister Jugbo will lead a dedicated team of legal officers from her chambers to handle the case.

She also requested the police to transmit all relevant documents and evidence to her office for further action.

The suspect, Timilehin Ajayi, had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charge of culpable homicide before Justice Simon Aboki of the Nasarawa State High Court sitting in Lafia.

The charge, filed under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria, carries a punishment of death if found guilty.

The prosecution alleges that Ajayi killed Salome Adaidu when she visited his residence in the Papalana area of New Karshi, in Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State.

The case has been adjourned for accelerated hearing and will resume between March 17 and 20, 2025.