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 my elder brother’s daughter, making her my niece.

Are you satisfied with how the police are handling the case?
Yes, they’re doing their best.

What progress has been made so far?
The suspect is being taken to court this Friday morning. Initially, I wanted the case transferred to Abuja, but Nasarawa State’s laws are strict regarding murder, with the death penalty as a possible sentence.

Since this is a clear-cut murder case, and the governor, Abdullahi Sule, is personally interested, I decided it’s better to let the matter remain in Nasarawa.

This morning, the Minister for Women Affairs, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, met with the governor about the case. By God’s grace, justice will be served.

How would you describe Salome’s personality, values, and outlook on life?
Salome was gentle and kind-hearted. She wasn’t one to seek attention or engage in unnecessary activities. Among her siblings, she was the closest to her father.

After her father’s death on May 16, 2024, she grew even more spiritually connected to him. She wasn’t a risk-taker, which makes this incident all the more tragic.

How do you respond to the suspect’s claims about his relationship with Salome?
The suspect is lying. He and his kind manipulate and deceive girls, ultimately ruining their lives. There was no romantic relationship between them.

In fact, he didn’t even know her full name when he was caught. This clearly points to a case of abduction and murder.

Did Salome ever express concerns or challenges about her personal life to you?
No, she never did.

What was your initial reaction when you heard about her death?
At first, I thought it was a road accident, which is what I was told. But when I arrived and saw the situation, I was devastated. If not for the law, I would have acted out of anger. I’m grateful for maturity and self-control.

What do you mean by that?
If not for my understanding of the law, things could have escalated. The perpetrator’s family wouldn’t have had peace.

Are you referring to violence?
Yes, I mean violence. I’m not ashamed to admit it. When someone brutally murders and dismembers a loved one, it’s hard for the family to remain calm.

How did Salome’s family, especially her mother, react to the news?
The police found Salome’s phone at the suspect’s house and used it to contact her mother, who was in the village. When she called me, the news began to spread.

Right now, her mother’s health is fragile, and we are praying for her well-being.

What part of the incident was most shocking or difficult to process?
The most troubling aspect is the suspect’s refusal to name his accomplices. He’s clearly a professional killer who adheres to a code of silence. This makes the situation even more distressing.

What is your message to the police regarding this?
The police should deepen their investigation. They must analyze the suspect’s phone records to identify his network. Technology can reveal the truth.

Has this tragedy affected your trust in people?
Yes, absolutely. Even before this, I was cautious about trusting others. This incident has only reinforced my distrust.

What punishment do you think Timileyin Ajayi deserves?
He deserves the death penalty. What he did is unforgivable.

How do you assess the response of the authorities so far?
The authorities are doing well. This case has evoked a lot of sympathy, and anyone who sees the evidence would be deeply moved. Thankfully, the suspect is now in the hands of the law.

What role should the government and community play in this case?
This is no longer an individual matter but a national one. The government and the community must collaborate to ensure justice is served.

How can this case raise awareness and prevent similar tragedies?
A public execution of the perpetrator would serve as a deterrent to others involved in human parts trading and such heinous crimes.

How have you been coping with the loss of Salome?
It’s been incredibly hard, but as a man, I have to stay strong and try to move forward.

If you could speak to Salome now, what would you say?
She’s gone now, and there’s nothing more I can say.

Punch