In a landmark judgment that has sparked public reactions across Nigeria, the Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has sentenced Abdulrahman Bello to death by hanging for the brutal murder of Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student of the College of Education, Ilorin.
Delivering the ruling on Thursday, Justice Hannah Ajayi described the killing as a horrifying and calculated act driven by ritual motives and body parts trade. The court found that Bello lured the victim under the pretense of love and marriage, only to murder and dismember her for ritual purposes.
“The confession of love and plans to marry her were concocted lies to lure the victim to his residence. The killing was cruel, wicked, and an extreme display of human wickedness,” Justice Ajayi stated.
While Bello was convicted and sentenced, four other defendants Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Jamiu Uthman, Suleiman Muyideen, and Abdulrahman Jamiu were discharged and acquitted due to insufficient evidence linking them to the crime.
Horrific Details of the Crime
The court revealed that on February 10, 2025, in the Olunlade area of Ilorin, Bello invited his girlfriend Hafsoh to his home. After engaging in sexual intercourse with her, he killed and mutilated her body.
Upon his arrest, police recovered chilling evidence from Bello’s residence, including:
The victim’s severed palm
A bottle filled with blood
Personal belongings of Hafsoh Lawal
A cutlass used in the murder
Additional decomposed body parts were discovered at a dumpsite nearby.
Justice Served, But Questions Remain
This case has raised renewed concerns about ritual killings and the safety of young women in Nigeria. While justice has been served, many are calling for broader efforts to combat gender-based violence and ritual crimes.
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