By Erewunmi Peace

A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has sentenced Abdulrahman Bello, a self-proclaimed Islamic cleric, to death by hanging for the gruesome murder of Hafsoh Yetunde Adefalu Lawal, a 24-year-old final-year student of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin.

Delivering judgment, Justice Hannah Ajayi described Bello’s actions as “inhuman, wicked, and horrifying,” stating that the court was left with no doubt about his guilt. The court found that Bello lured Hafsoh under the pretense of love and spiritual assistance, only to kill and dismember her in what was believed to be a ritualistic murder.

“The nature of this crime reflects extreme cruelty. Justice must be served not just for the victim, but as a warning to others who devalue human life,” Justice Ajayi said.

The Case:

Hafsoh was reported missing in February 2024.

Investigations revealed she was last seen with Bello.

Her dismembered body was later found buried near his residence.

During police interrogations, Bello confessed to the killing, which he claimed was for ritual purposes.

Acquitted:

Four other suspects—Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muyideen, Jamiu Uthman, and Abdulrahman Jamiu—who were charged alongside Bello, were discharged and acquitted due to lack of evidence linking them directly to the crime.

The case drew national outrage when it was first reported, with student groups and human rights advocates calling for swift justice and better protection for women on Nigerian campuses.

Public Reaction:

The sentencing has been widely welcomed on social media, with the hashtag #JusticeForHafsoh trending across platforms.

Human rights lawyer Barr. Halimat Bakare, reacting to the verdict, said:

“This judgment restores a bit of confidence in our justice system. Women deserve to feel safe—on campus, in relationships, and in society.”

The court’s decision marks a crucial moment in the ongoing fight against ritual killings and gender-based violence in Nigeria.