The family of Salome Eleojo Adaidu, a young woman allegedly murdered and dismembered by self-proclaimed gospel singer Timileyin Ajayi, has accused the Nigerian police of a cover-up, citing poor communication and a lack of transparency in the investigation.
Patience Adaidu, the elder sister of the deceased, expressed her frustration in an interview on Tuesday, stating that the police have provided no updates about the case, which initially began at the Orozo Police Station in Abuja. “The officers are not giving us any information,” she lamented.
A Gruesome Discovery
Salome, described by her family as reserved and careful about her associations, left home on a Saturday to visit a friend named Maxwell. The next day, news reached her family that Salome had been in an “accident.” However, upon arriving at Uke, the family discovered a horrifying truth: Salome’s body had been brutally mutilated.
“She was cut into pieces. Her head, arms, legs, even toes—everything was severed. It was like someone was butchering meat,” Patience recalled tearfully.
Reports indicate that Ajayi was caught carrying a sack containing Salome’s severed head. A commercial motorcyclist noticed blood dripping from the bag and raised the alarm.
Allegations Against the Police
The Adaidu family accused the police of failing to provide them with essential details about the case. “I’ve been kept in the dark about everything,” said Patience. She also alleged that the police intended to transfer the case to Keffi, Nasarawa State, despite the crime occurring in Abuja.
Patience dismissed Ajayi’s claim that Salome was his girlfriend, insisting, “We’ve never met this man before. He said he’s known my sister for a year, but we’ve never even heard his name.”
Adding to the family’s anguish, Patience revealed that they had learned from external sources that parts of Salome’s body were buried separately by the police. “We have to exhume her remains, gather them, and give her a proper burial,” she said.
The Suspect’s Shocking Admission
Ajayi was apprehended during a church service in Orozo. Congregants reportedly became suspicious of the sack he was carrying and demanded to see its contents. Inside was the severed head of a young woman, later identified as Salome.
In a video circulating online, Ajayi claimed that an argument with Salome had escalated into violence. He alleged that she grabbed a knife, and in his attempt to disarm her, she was fatally injured. According to him, he dismembered her body to dispose of the remains.
This narrative, however, has been dismissed by Salome’s family, who maintain that she had no connection to the suspect.
Call for Justice
The Adaidu family is demanding a thorough investigation and justice for Salome. “We just want the case moved to the headquarters in Abuja. Let them interrogate this man and tell us the truth,” Patience said.
The family also accused the police of attempting to shield Ajayi. “This man was telling people he could pay N100 million to the police to drop the case,” Patience alleged.
Background and Public Outrage
This gruesome case has sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians calling for accountability. Ajayi’s actions have brought scrutiny to the conduct of the police, especially their alleged mishandling of high-profile cases.
The Nigerian public has also expressed concern over the frequency of violent crimes and the apparent inability of law enforcement to deliver justice promptly. Social media platforms have been flooded with demands for transparency and updates on the case.
A Family’s Pain
For the Adaidu family, the nightmare is far from over. “I wish my sister were alive to tell us what happened,” Patience said. “But now, we’re left with silence—from the suspect, from the police, from everyone.”
Salome’s story is a grim reminder of the need for justice and accountability in Nigeria. As the family continues to mourn, they remain resolute in their quest for answers. “We will not stop until justice is served,” Patience vowed.
