In a dramatic turn of events, AbdulRahman Bello and four other suspects accused of murdering Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student at the Kwara State College of Education in Ilorin, have pleaded not guilty to the five-count charges brought against them. The incident, which occurred on February 10, 2025, has sparked widespread outrage due to its gruesome nature.
Hafsoh Lawal was allegedly killed and dismembered by AbdulRahman Bello, who met her on social media. Bello is accused of conspiring with Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman, and AbdulRahman Jamiu to cause Lawal’s death and dismember her body. The suspects are also charged with conspiring to remove her body parts, drain her blood, and possess human parts and blood.
AbdulRahman Bello is further accused of raping the deceased, an offense punishable under Section 283 of the Penal Code CAP P4, Laws of Kwara State. Despite the severity of the allegations, all five suspects maintained their innocence during their arraignment at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Kwara State, Ibrahim Sulaiman, led the prosecution team. Justice Hannah Ajayi ordered that the suspects be remanded at the Oke-Kura correctional facility until May 7, 2025, when the proper hearing will commence.
This case has drawn significant attention due to its brutality and the alleged ritualistic motives behind the murder. The incident highlights the need for increased vigilance and awareness about online interactions, as well as the importance of swift justice in such heinous crimes. As the trial progresses, the public remains keenly interested in seeing justice served for Hafsoh Lawal and her family.
