The Kwara State High Court in Ilorin on Wednesday heard harrowing testimonies in the murder trial of 24-year-old Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education.
The court proceedings, presided over by Justice Hannah Ajayi, featured four witnesses, including two police officers and two relatives of the deceased.
The prime suspect, AbdulRahman Bello, along with four co-defendants—Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman, and AbdulRahman Jamiu—pleaded not guilty to charges of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, illegal possession of human parts, and in Bello’s case, rape.
During the court session, Assistant Superintendent of Police Yusuf Dauda and Inspector Muhammed Kamaldeen presented chilling evidence recovered from the suspects. Items tendered included two severed human palms, a container of blood, an axe, a cutlass, a box of black soap, charms, four mobile phones, and a notebook containing alleged ritual instructions. All items were admitted as exhibits.
The victim’s father, Mr. Ibrahim Lawal, emotionally recounted how his daughter was declared missing, and how her phone was tracked to the prime suspect. “We were devastated when we learnt Hafsoh’s phone was traced to AbdulRahman Bello,” he said. “At the police station in Oja Oba, he confessed to killing and dismembering her.”
Falilat Abdulafeez, a close friend of the deceased, testified that Hafsoh had attended a naming ceremony with friends on the day she disappeared. “She received a call and left abruptly without telling us where she was going,” Falilat told the court.
Prosecution was led by the Kwara State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Senior Ibrahim, who confirmed that the suspects were initially arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court before the matter was escalated to the High Court for full trial.
Justice Ajayi adjourned the case until Monday, May 12, 2025, for continuation of hearing.
“This court will ensure justice is done. We must allow the law to take its course,” she stated.
