Court Sentences Abdulrahman Bello to Death by Hanging for Murder of Final-Year Student in Kwara

A Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin has sentenced Abdulrahman Bello to death by hanging for the gruesome murder of Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student at the College of Education, Ilorin.

In her judgment on Thursday, Justice Hannah Ajayi found Bello guilty of luring the young woman to his residence under false pretenses, killing her, and mutilating her body for ritual purposes. She described the crime as “cruel, wicked, and a shocking display of inhumanity.”

Bello had claimed he was in love with Hafsoh and intended to marry her, but the court dismissed this as a calculated lie used to lure the victim into a deadly trap.

The incident occurred on February 10, 2025, in the Olunlade area of Ilorin. After engaging in sexual activity with the victim, Bello reportedly murdered her and dismembered her body in his room. During his arrest, police discovered alarming evidence, including the victim’s severed palm, a bottle of blood, and other personal belongings. A bloodstained cutlass believed to have been used in the attack was also recovered, while parts of Hafsoh’s decomposing body were later found at a dumpsite nearby.

Four other individuals—Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Jamiu Uthman, Suleiman Muyideen, and Abdulrahman Jamiu—who were initially arraigned alongside Bello, were discharged and acquitted. Justice Ajayi ruled that there was no evidence linking them to the crime.