The Nasarawa State Police Command has arrested a gospel singer, Timilehin Ajayi, for allegedly killing and dismembering his 24-year-old girlfriend, Salome Enejo. Enejo, a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member serving in Abuja, was reportedly murdered for suspected ritual purposes.
The arrest took place on Sunday in Orozo, a border community between Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Churchgoers became suspicious after observing Ajayi behaving strangely near a river close to the church.
According to Caleb Umaru, the church’s Bible Study Teacher and General Secretary, a member named Victor noticed Ajayi carrying a bag and acting nervously.
Umaru said, “It was just before the end of the service, around 11 a.m., during the final pledge and prayers. A church member, Brother Victor, opened his eyes during the prayers and noticed someone walking suspiciously by the river near the church, carrying a bag. His movements caught Victor’s attention, prompting him to call over Brother Amos to take notice as well.
“When he saw them, he threw a black nylon bag into the river, and when they enquired from him what he threw into the river, he said nothing. After many questions that he didn’t answer, they left him and went back but didn’t go into the church.”
The situation escalated when Ajayi attempted to flee. Church members, with assistance from a motorcyclist, chased and detained him. Police arrived just in time to rescue Ajayi from being mobbed by the enraged crowd.
Police spokesperson Ramhan Nansel confirmed that a further search of Ajayi’s residence revealed two sacks containing other dismembered body parts of the victim. The victim’s family has identified her remains.
“The suspect was found with a fresh human head, and when we got to the scene, we rescued him from being mobbed by the ones who accosted him.
“During the investigation at his place of residence, we found two sacks filled with the victim’s dismembered body. The victim has been identified as 24-year-old Salome Enejo; her parents have been contacted and have identified her. She is a National Youth Service Corps member, serving in Abuja.
“The suspect is currently receiving medical treatment at a hospital; he was injured when we rescued him. A thorough investigation has commenced,” Nansel added.
