Abdulrahman Bello Sentenced To Death For Killing Kwara Student, Hafsoh Lawal

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

Justice Hannah Ajayi delivered the judgment on Thursday, ruling that Bello intentionally lured Hafsoh to his home under false pretenses before murdering her for ritual purposes.

According to the court, his claims of loving her and planning to marry her were lies meant to deceive her.

Four other men who were initially charged alongside Bello—Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Jamiu Uthman, Suleiman Muyideen, and Abdulrahman Jamiu—were found not guilty.

The judge said there was no evidence linking them to the crime, and they were cleared of all charges.

In her ruling, Justice Ajayi described Hafsoh’s murder as heartless and inhumane, stressing that the evidence clearly showed that Bello killed her with the intention of using her body for money rituals and illegal trade in human parts.

The incident happened on February 10, 2025, in the Olunlade area of Ilorin.

Bello, who was said to be Hafsoh’s boyfriend, invited her over and killed her after having sex with her. He then dismembered her body in his room.

During the investigation, police found a bottle containing blood, the victim’s severed palm, and several of her personal belongings in Bello’s room.

A cutlass believed to have been used in the dismemberment was also recovered. Other parts of her decomposed body were later discovered at a nearby dumpsite.

With strong physical evidence and a confession that failed to match his claims of innocence, the court found Bello guilty and sentenced him to death by hanging.

KanyiDaily recalls that a High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, recently sentenced gospel musician Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the brutal murder of a corps member, Salome Adaidu.