An unsettling case has emerged in Kwara State, as five suspects, including an Islamic cleric, a phone repairer, a farmer, and two others, were remanded in custody by an Ilorin magistrate’s court on Tuesday, February 18, 2025. They stand accused of being involved in the horrific murder of Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student at Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin. The crime, which is believed to have been carried out for ritual purposes, has shocked both local and national communities.
The prime suspect, Abdurahman Bello, a man claiming to be a religious scholar, was arrested in connection with the gruesome death of Hafsoh, whose body was discovered under chilling circumstances. Bello, along with four accomplices, was charged with conspiracy, culpable homicide, possession of human parts, and armed robbery. The five suspects include Ahmed AbdulWasiu, 41, Suleiman Muhyideen, 28, Jamiu Uthman, 29, and AbdulRahman Jamiu. According to the police, the suspects have confessed to their roles in the crime.
The Crime Unfolds: A Disturbing Discovery
The murder of Hafsoh Lawal first came to light on February 10, 2025, when her father, Adefalu Lawal Ibrahim, reported her missing after she failed to return from a friend’s house where she had gone to attend a baby christening. Concerned about his daughter’s sudden disappearance, Ibrahim reached out to Hafsoh’s friends, who informed him that she had left the event and was headed elsewhere. After numerous calls to her phone went unanswered, Ibrahim took the matter to the police.
The investigation, led by the Kwara State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), quickly took a chilling turn. Police traced Hafsoh’s phone to Abdurahman Bello, a phone repairer and self-proclaimed cleric living in the Olunlade area of Ilorin. This breakthrough led authorities to arrest him and subsequently uncover the details of the plot that led to the young woman’s untimely death.
The police investigation revealed that Bello, alongside his accomplices, had conspired to murder Hafsoh for ritualistic purposes. According to the police report, Bello admitted that he and his co-conspirators were members of a secret occult group, which allegedly sanctioned the gruesome act. The group, police believe, has been responsible for multiple killings in the state, with the remains used in black-market rituals.
Shocking Revelations: Ritual Killing for Financial Gain
The police investigation has shed light on the dark underworld of ritualistic killings, with the suspects reportedly having killed several individuals in the past for financial gain. Authorities confirmed that the syndicate had been targeting unsuspecting victims, often luring them under false pretenses. These crimes, officials say, were not just acts of murder but were carried out to harvest body parts for sale on the black market. The police revealed that the group used the organs and body parts of their victims for occult rituals believed to bring wealth and power.
In a statement released by the Kwara State Police Public Relations Officer, the police noted the sinister nature of the suspects’ actions. “Abdurahman Bello and his accomplices were arrested after the meticulous tracking of the victim’s phone, which led to a series of confessions,” the statement read. “We have also identified other individuals who may be linked to this criminal network, and further investigations are ongoing to uncover the full extent of their operations.”
The police report further stated that the group’s activities were not confined to Kwara State alone, with members believed to be operating across several regions in Nigeria. The arrest of Bello and his accomplices marks a significant breakthrough in the fight against ritual killings, which have plagued the country in recent years.
The Arrest: A Community in Shock
As news of the arrest spread, many in the community were left in disbelief, struggling to reconcile the image of a trusted Islamic cleric with that of a cold-blooded killer. Abdurahman Bello had reportedly built a reputation as a respected religious figure in his community. His arrest has sparked outrage among residents, who express shock at the betrayal of trust.
A local resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity, expressed his dismay: “It’s shocking to think that someone who claimed to be a religious leader could be involved in something so evil. We trusted him, and now, look at what he’s done.” Another resident, Suleiman Farouk, echoed the sentiment, adding, “This is a serious problem. People who are supposed to guide us spiritually are instead leading us to destruction. It’s painful.”
The case has also sparked broader concerns about the rise of occult practices in Nigeria, especially among young people. Experts warn that the search for quick wealth has led some to turn to dark and dangerous rituals. “We are seeing a disturbing trend where young people are lured into occult practices and become involved in these ritual killings,” said Dr. Amina Abubakar, a criminologist at the University of Ilorin. “This case highlights a deeper societal problem that needs urgent attention.”
Legal Proceedings: The Road Ahead
As the suspects face the court, the investigation into the full extent of their operations continues. They have been charged with multiple offenses under Nigerian law, including criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, and armed robbery. The maximum penalties for these charges could range from life imprisonment to the death penalty, depending on the outcome of the trial.
In court, the five suspects appeared without legal representation, which raised concerns among legal experts. Some have questioned whether the lack of defense counsel could affect the fairness of the trial. “It’s crucial that the accused have proper legal representation to ensure a fair trial,” said a legal analyst, who preferred to remain anonymous.
For now, the case has been adjourned, and the suspects remain in detention at the Correctional Centre in Ilorin. The people of Kwara State, and indeed the entire nation, await the court’s decision as they continue to grapple with the chilling reality of ritual killings on the rise.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call
The murder of Hafsoh Lawal serves as a tragic reminder of the disturbing phenomenon of ritual killings in Nigeria. With the arrest of these five individuals, the police have made significant progress in dismantling this dangerous criminal syndicate. However, the case also highlights the urgent need for greater vigilance, community awareness, and stringent legal measures to combat this growing menace.
As the trial continues, the people of Kwara State and across Nigeria remain hopeful that justice will be served, and that such heinous acts will not go unpunished. In the meantime, the memory of Hafsoh Lawal, a promising student with a bright future, will remain a symbol of the fight against ritual killings and the quest for justice.
