You have probably heard the sad story of Salome Eleojo Adaidu, the Abuja Youth Corper and a recent Kogi State University, Anyigba graduate, who met a tragic end in the hands of someone claiming to be her boyfriend.

People were already promoting the story to blame Salome Adaidu, the victim, suggesting that it's typical for girls to visit boyfriends without considering their safety, or that today's girls tend to associate with "Yahoo Boys," or labeling her as "Ashawo," a local derogatory term for "prostitute" or a sex worker.
Despite counter-responses from people who knew the girl personally, it was all a lie. It was not enough. She was said to have boarded the wrong Keke Napep on her way to visit her friend—the only contact she ever had with Timileyin.

Now, the alleged perpetrator, Timileyin Ajayi, a said gospel musician who was caught with "something" in the black Bagco bag, has now expressly rode on the narrative of victim blaming in the police custody interview you see online. He says in the interview that he did whatever because "she was his girlfriend and cheated on him."
He mentioned in the interview that he saw texts on her phone from the "other guy" which infuriated him. But you have to ask then, is that enough a reason to allegedly end someone's life? Why didn't he walk away?

Timileyin Ajayi feels no remorse or regrets, and the reason behind his choice of narrative is unclear. He may also have chosen to latch unto that narrative (ahead of being caught) because he thinks (or even believes), the society would buy into such a reason that the woman triggered him. Perhaps his lawyers or acquaintances suggested he maintain this side of the story, as people who were unaware of the earlier connection had already formed assumptions about her identity and fate. It balances all the shenanigans involved.
Dead people tell no tales, and that's the painful part.
Despite her friends and family testifying that they never knew each other or dated, it's not enough; people continue to push the narrative of blaming the victim, particularly because she is a woman. Individuals on social media are warning the girl, perpetuating misogynistic undertones instead of condemning him for his vile behavior.
And what if she was allegedly his girlfriend? Did she deserve to end up this way? No
Even if she was an "Ashawo," does she still deserve treatment this barbaric? No.
And are sex workers, not humans? I never understand what goes on in the minds of people, especially women, when they say these things about women victims.
These are larger issues stemming from the reasons why more female victims hesitate to speak out after experiencing any form of assault by men, as the misogynistic narratives that blame women are perpetuated by a patriarchal societal structure. The disregard for her history, the current suffering of the family, and the tendency to blame female victims is troubling. It's unsettling to prioritize the remarks of an alleged perpetrator over those of a victim who can no longer speak for herself, further damaging her reputation with baseless claims.
Comments that justify violence against women by suggesting that a woman must have done something to deserve it continue to endanger other women. Some people believe that just because someone is a "gospel artist," they are incapable of wrongdoing. Are gospel artists and religious figures, not humans? This is the issue with a deeply religious society: they assume that religious individuals are free from the same inclinations toward evil as anyone else. As a result, they end up blaming the victim, defending someone they barely know simply due to religious beliefs and a lack of logical reasoning. They initially express shock instead of showing concern for the victim, no matter who she is.
It's a tragic and painful end. May God grant her eternal peace and give her family the strength to bear this loss. Salome deserved better. No one should ever be treated that way.