An Islamic cleric, popularly known as an Alfa, in Ilorin, Kwara State, has made a chilling confession, admitting to the murder of a young woman whose hands were severed for ritual purposes. The suspect, who was recently arrested by the police, told investigators that he killed the victim because he needed human hands for money rituals and didn’t know any other way to obtain them.
The accused, whose identity has been withheld by authorities pending further investigation, reportedly lured the woman under false pretences before killing her in cold blood and cutting off her hands. His shocking admission has sparked outrage and fear among residents of Ilorin and across Kwara State.
“I didn’t intend to kill her,” the suspect said during police interrogation. “If I knew any other way to get human hands without taking a life, I wouldn’t have done it. I only did it because I was desperate and believed it was the only way.”
Sources within the Kwara State Police Command confirmed that the Alfa had been on their watchlist following reports of missing persons in the area. Acting on credible intelligence, he was apprehended and led officers to the site where the dismembered body was recovered.
The State Commissioner of Police, Victor Olaiya, condemned the act and assured the public that justice would be served. “This is not only a criminal act but an affront to humanity and the values we uphold as a people,” he said. “We are determined to ensure that everyone connected to this heinous crime faces the full wrath of the law.”
The incident has further reignited national debates on ritual killings, the misuse of religious influence, and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by those in spiritual or authoritative positions.
The remains of the victim have since been deposited at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital morgue, as investigations continue. Authorities have called on the public to report suspicious activities and avoid patronising individuals who claim to offer spiritual shortcuts to wealth.
This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of desperation and unchecked belief in rituals. The Kwara State Government has vowed to step up community sensitisation and collaborate with religious leaders to curb the rise in ritual-related crimes.