The Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin, presided over by Justice Hannah Ajayi, has ordered the remand of five suspects in connection with the gruesome murder of a final-year student, Hafsoh Lawal, of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin. The suspects were remanded at the Oke-Kura Correctional Facility pending the commencement of trial.
The accused persons; AbdulRahman Bello, Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman, and AbdulRahman Jamiu were arraigned before the court on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, murder, mutilation, and unlawful possession of human body parts. The tragic incident allegedly occurred on February 10, 2025.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.
According to the charge sheet presented before the court, the suspects are accused of conspiring to cause the death of the 24-year-old student and subsequently dismembering her body. The charges also allege that the suspects engaged in the removal of her body parts, drained her blood, and were found in possession of human remains.
In addition to the collective charges, the first defendant, AbdulRahman Bello, faces an individual count of rape. The charge is in violation of Section 283 of the Penal Code, CAP P4, Laws of Kwara State, and carries severe legal penalties upon conviction.
Justice Ajayi has adjourned the case until May 7, 2025, for the commencement of the hearing.
The case has sparked widespread public outrage and renewed calls for strengthened security measures and justice system reforms to combat ritual killings and gender-based violence in the state.
Reported by: Ali Rabiu
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