Kwara Court Sentences Islamic Cleric To Death For Ritual Murder Of Final-Year Student
In a shocking case that gripped Kwara State, the High Court in Ilorin has sentenced Abdulrahman Bello to death by hanging for the ritual killing of 24-year-old Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal. Lawal, a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, was murdered by Bello, who claimed he needed her body parts, particularly her hands, for money rituals. Bello identified himself as an Islamic cleric and confessed to acting alone in carrying out the heinous crime.
The murder occurred on February 14, 2025. According to police reports, Bello lured Hafsoh and later killed her. He was arrested with several incriminating items including an axe, a cutlass, charms, blood-filled containers, her severed hands, and two phones (Tecno and iPhones). Other items included a consultation book and personal belongings of the victim.
Bello later confessed that he regretted his actions and only committed the crime because he thought it was the only way to obtain the required items for ritual purposes. His statement was recorded voluntarily in English and in the presence of a lawyer, which was arranged by the police since he couldn’t afford one.
During the court proceedings, Police Inspector Ayodele Azeez from the State CID testified that the case was transferred from C Division Oja-Oba to the Criminal Investigation Department. After reviewing the evidence and securing Bello’s confession, the case was moved to the anti-homicide and anti-robbery sections.
Inspector Azeez explained how the suspect was interrogated in a comfortable room and asked whether he needed legal representation. Though Bello initially said he had no relatives or means to hire a lawyer, he eventually agreed to proceed with a lawyer arranged by the police. He then wrote and signed his confession in the presence of the lawyer, confirming he acted alone.
The court, after reviewing the overwhelming evidence and Bello’s confession, found him guilty of murder. Justice was finally served when the presiding judge sentenced him to death by hanging. The verdict has been widely seen as a step toward justice for Hafsoh and a stern message against ritual killings in Nigeria.
The tragic case has sparked renewed calls for public awareness, spiritual reform, and stronger action against ritual-related crimes.
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