Mrs Ojomachenwu Adaidu, mother of Salome, a 24-year-old corps member who was murdered by an Abuja gospel, Timileyin Ajayi, speaks to TEMITOPE ADETUNJI about her daughter’s ambition before she met her untimely death, and asks for justice to be done in matter

What is your relationship with the slain corps member?

I am Mrs Ojomachenwu Adaidu, the mother of Salome Eleojo Adaidu.

Where are you from?

I am from Ogodu in Omala Local Government Area of Kogi State.

How old are you?

I am 52 years old.

What do you do for a living?

I am into a small business.

Which tertiary institution did your late daughter attend before going for her youth service?

She graduated from Kogi State University.

How would you describe Salome’s personality and values?

Salome was a wonderful child, hardworking and responsible. Every morning, before I even woke up, she would sweep and tidy the house. Among all my children, she was the most hardworking.

Salome was serving as a youth corps member before the incident. Did she ever talk to you about her plans?

Yes, she told me she wanted to become a doctor after her service year.

What went through your mind when you heard the news?

I felt like my world had ended. It’s a painful experience, and it still feels like a bad dream. People tried to console me, saying I have other children, but no one should go through something like this. It has been extremely difficult. What I want is justice for her. (Sobbing) I am currently very ill.

The suspect claimed Salome was his girlfriend. Can you clarify this?

That’s a lie. Salome was not his girlfriend. He didn’t even know her name. You can see in the video that the killer has a beard. My children don’t like men who keep beards, and Salome had no relationship with him. She already had someone she was dating; a pharmacist. I told her we would do the necessary wedding introduction after her service year.

What do you want the police to do as the investigation continues?

I want the police to thoroughly investigate this case and make him confess what happened. He should face justice for what he did. The way he cut my daughter’s body into pieces is the same way I want him to be dealt with. They should cut him too into pieces; I want to see it done.

How many children do you have?

I now have five children, four girls and one boy. I used to have six before losing Salome.

 Aside from being hardworking, what other qualities did Salome have?

She was very kindhearted. Every time, she received her alawee (youth service allowance), she would buy me drugs, foodstuffs, and provisions. She was so generous, and I miss her deeply. Since her father passed, she promised to stand by me and take care of me.

When did Salome’s father pass away?

He died on May 16, 2024. Now, I’ve lost both my husband and my daughter, two people so close to my heart.

An officer of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been shot dead, and another was critically injured during a violent encounter with suspected internet fraudsters in Anambra State.

The incident happened on Friday, January 17, 2025.

The operatives, who traveled from the EFCC’s zonal office in Enugu, were on a mission to apprehend the suspects, commonly referred to as Yahoo Boys.

However, the operation turned deadly when the suspects opened fire on the officers.

One officer, identified as an assistant superintendent who recently passed a promotional exam, was shot dead at the scene.

Another officer sustained severe injuries and was hospitalized in critical condition as of Friday night.

A male suspect was arrested during the operation, but his identity has not yet been disclosed.

It remains unclear whether he has legal representation.

As of the time of reporting, neither the EFCC spokesperson nor the Anambra State Police has issued an official statement on the matter.

Further investigations are ongoing.

POWA PRESIDENT PROMISES BETTER WELFARE FOR POLICE WIDOWS, ORPHANS

Slates Visits to Imo, Abia State Commands

The President of the Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Dr. (Mrs.) Elizabeth Egbetokun, has reiterated the commitment of her leadership to improving the welfare of police widows and orphans in 2025. She made this statement today, Wednesday, 15th January 2025, during a strategic meeting with senior officers of the Police Force Headquarters at the POWA Secretariat in Abuja, while announcing plans to embark on familiarization tours to various states in the country commencing with Imo and Abia State Police Commands on Thursday, 16th January 2025.

She emphasized the Association’s dedication to providing sustainable support for the families of fallen officers and indigent children of police personnel across the six geopolitical zones of the country. She also outlined plans to expand existing welfare initiatives and introduce new empowerment programs aimed at alleviating the challenges faced by widows and orphans within the police community.

Highlighting the importance of collaboration, the POWA President called for stronger ties between POWA, the Nigeria Police Force, and other stakeholders to address the welfare-related challenges of police families nationwide.

As part of her familiarization tour to Imo and Abia States, Mrs. Egbetokun will also launch welfare initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of police wives and widows in these states. The visit will feature interactions with local POWA members and beneficiaries of the association’s programs.

ACP OLUMUYIWA ADEJOBI, mnipr, mipra. fCAI,
FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
FORCE HEADQUARTERS,
ABUJA

15TH JANUARY, 2025