Justice Hannah Olushola Ajayi of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin yesterday sentenced Abdulrahman Bello, a muslim cleric to death.
He bagged the death sentence for the murder of 24-year-old Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal, a final-year student at the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin.
The trial lasted for four months.
However, four other accused individuals were acquitted and discharged by the court: Ahmed Abdulwasiu (41) from Zone C, No. 47 Adualere Area, Ilorin; Suleiman Muyideen (28) of Neolife Business, No. 7 Adualere Area, Amilere Milengbe, Ilorin; Jamiu Uthman (29), a phone repairer from Adualere Area, Ilorin; and Abdulrahmon Jamiu (31), a farmer from Elemere Village through Malete Town in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Justice Ajayi characterized the crime committed by the main defendant as “the highest degree of human wickedness and a cruel act,” concluding that Bello had premeditated plans to kill the victim for money rituals.
The judge rejected Bello’s assertions of love and intentions to marry Hafsoh, labeling them as “concocted lies to deceive the court.”
She also observed that Bello’s behavior after the crime and before his arrest suggested that “it may not have been his first time engaging in such an act.”
The court affirmed that the video footage and written materials gathered by DSS and police officers met legal standards, dismissing Bello’s allegations of police brutality.
“The convict did not show himself as a witness of truth because all he said to deny the allegations against him were an afterthought. Moreover, a book containing secrets of money-making charms was found in his apartment,” she stated.
In her remarks to young people about the dangers posed by social media, Justice Ajayi noted: “The victim may have been alive if she had informed her family or friends about her visit to a Facebook male friend before she was killed.”
Bello was also found guilty of possession of human parts and blood and sentenced to 10 years in prison, with an option of a N100,000 fine or six months imprisonment. While acquitted on the rape charge, he was convicted for the murder and dismemberment of Hafsoh and sentenced to death by hanging.
During court proceedings, Bello admitted to killing Hafsoh Lawal for money rituals, claiming he acted alone and presenting himself as an Islamic cleric.
“If only I had known another way to source the needed ingredient, I wouldn’t have killed her,” he confessed.
The crime occurred on February 13, 2025, when Hafsoh attended a naming ceremony before visiting Bello’s home near Offa Garage/Olunlade, Ilorin.
Initially, Bello told the court that after having sex with her, he strangled her to death and dismembered the body. He later changed his account, alleging she died of asthma.
Bello and four others faced charges including conspiracy, murder, dismemberment, removal of human parts, and possession of human blood, all pleading not guilty.
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Mai-Martaba Alhaji (Dr) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, expressed approval of the court’s verdict.
In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir described the murder of Hafsoh as “pathetic, unfortunate, regrettable and worrisome.”
He added, “The killing of Hafsoh is one of the greatest evils on earth which we pray not to ever experience again.
"The judgement has further brightened the hope and trust of the people in the judiciary and security agencies.
"May Almighty Allah repose the soul of late Hafsoh Lawal and comfort her family members.”
The Emir further urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and protect their children to prevent similar tragedies.