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What is your name?
My name is Sam Adaidu.
What is your relationship with Salome, the corps member who was killed by an Abuja gospel singer?
Salome is the daughter of my elder brother. So, I am her uncle.
Are you satisfied with the way the police are handling the matter so far?
Yes, they are trying their best.
How far have they gone so far?
They are taking him to court this (Friday) morning. Initially, I wanted to fight for a transfer of the case to Abuja. But in Nasarawa State, there is a provision in their law which states that for a murder case, the penalty is a death sentence. This one is a clear-cut murder case.
So, while I was pushing for the movement of the case to Abuja, I realised that since Nasarawa State law is strict, and the governor (of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule) is interested in the case, there’s no need. This morning, the Minister for Women Affairs (Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim) was with the governor concerning the case. I believe justice will be served by the grace of God.
How would you describe Salome’s personality, values, and outlook on life?
Salome was a gentle, kind-hearted girl. She wasn’t the type who liked going out or engaging in unnecessary activities. Among my brother’s children, she was the closest to her father. After her father passed away on May 16, 2024, she became even closer to him in spirit, so to speak. She was not a risk-taker. This incident is very unfortunate because she didn’t live the kind of life that attracts such incidents.
How would you respond to the claim by the suspect about his relationship with Salome?
That guy is lying. He and his type have their ways of manipulating girls, deceiving them, and eventually destroying their lives. There’s nothing like a girlfriend relationship here. In fact, he didn’t even know her full name when he was arrested and beaten. This shows it was a case of kidnap and murder.
Did Salome ever share any concerns or challenges with you about her personal life?
No, she never did.
When you heard the news about her death, what came to your mind?
Initially, I thought it was a road accident. That was what I heard. But when I got there and saw the situation, I felt deeply hurt. Honestly, if not for the law, I’m not the type to take something like this lightly; I am not really an easy-going kind of person, thank God for maturity and understanding.
What do you mean by that?
I mean if not for maturity and understanding, many things would have happened. If we weren’t bound by the law, the perpetrator’s family would not have had peace.
When you say, ‘A lot of things’, do you mean violence?
Yes, I mean violence. I’m not ashamed to say it. Nobody would kill someone so brutally, butcher her, and expect the family to remain calm.
How did the family of Salome, especially her mother, take the news when they heard it?
The police discovered Salome’s phone in the suspect’s house. They used it to contact her mother, who was in the village then. When she called me, the news began to spread. Right now, we’re still managing her health and praying nothing else happens to her.
What details about the incident were the most shocking or difficult to process?
The most difficult part is that the suspect refuses to reveal the names of his accomplices. He’s clearly a professional killer, and they have a code of silence. This makes the case even more distressing.
What is your message to the police regarding this?
My message is that they should go further in their investigation. They need to extract information from the suspect’s phone to track down his communication with others. Technology can help uncover the truth.
Has this incident affected your trust in others, especially Nigerians?
Yes, absolutely. Even before this, I didn’t trust people easily. No matter how close someone is to me, I don’t give them my trust because it’s my way of staying secure.
What punishment do you think Timileyin Ajayi deserves?
He deserves to face the death penalty. He should go to the grave. What he did is unforgivable.
How do you assess the response of the authorities and law enforcement so far?
They are doing well. It’s a very sympathetic case, and anyone who sees the pictures would be moved. Fortunately, the suspect is now in the hands of the law.
What role should the government and community play in this matter?
This is no longer a one-man issue. It has become a national matter. The government and community need to come together and ensure justice is served.
How can this case raise awareness and protect others from similar tragedies?
There should be a public execution of the perpetrator. This would serve as a deterrent to others who believe in trading human parts or engaging in such evil acts.
How have you been coping with the loss of Salome?
It hasn’t been easy, but as a man, I have to stay strong. I’m just managing myself and trying to move on.
If you could speak with Salome now, what would you tell her?
She’s already gone. What can I say?
