Court Sentences Killer of Kwara Final-Year Student to Death

A Kwara State High Court has sentenced Abdulrahman Bello to death by hanging for the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student.

Justice Hannah Ajayi delivered the judgment on Thursday, describing the act as “cruel, wicked, and an extreme display of human wickedness.”

Bello was found guilty of luring Hafsoh to his residence in the Olunlade area of Ilorin on February 10, 2025, under the pretense of love and intentions to marry her. After having sex with her, he killed and dismembered her body.

The court ruled that the motive behind the murder was for money rituals and organ trading. “His claims of love were nothing but lies to lure her into a trap,” Justice Ajayi said.

During the investigation, police discovered shocking evidence in Bello’s room, including a cutlass used for dismembering the victim, a bottle filled with blood, Hafsoh’s personal belongings, and her severed palm.
Other decomposed body parts were later recovered from a nearby dumpsite.

Bello was charged alongside four others — Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Jamiu Uthman, Suleiman Muyideen, and Abdulrahman Jamiu.

However, Justice Ajayi found no evidence linking the four to the crime and acquitted them of all charges.

The judge emphasized that only Bello was responsible for the heinous act and ruled that he be executed by hanging.

The case has stirred widespread outrage, with many demanding justice for the slain student. Her tragic death has once again raised alarms over rising ritual related killing in Nigeria.