AbdulRahman Bello, the Islamic cleric accused of the gruesome murder and dismemberment of Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student at Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, made a shocking confession in court on Thursday, March 6. He admitted to committing the crime alone and pleaded for the release of his four co-accused, insisting they had no involvement.
Bello, who allegedly met Hafsoh on Facebook before the tragic incident, stood trial alongside Ahmed AbdulWasiu, Suleiman Muhyideen, Jamiu Uthman, and AbdulRahman Jamiu. However, he maintained that they were not complicit in the crime.
In response, the court advised him to present such a plea at the High Court, where the case has been transferred for a full trial. Meanwhile, the Kwara State Ministry of Justice has officially taken over the case, with legal representative Barr. Issa Zakari stating that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) has determined Bello has a case to answer.
Dr. Folorunso Ahmad Hussein, representing the deceased’s family, did not oppose the ministry’s intervention but emphasized the need for justice for Hafsoh and her grieving relatives.
Presiding Magistrate Sanusi Muhammad adjourned the case to March 20, 2025, for further proceedings and ordered the suspects’ remand at Oke Kura Correctional Centre in Ilorin.
