Justice Hannah Ajayi of Kwara High Court has ordered the remand of the five suspects over the alleged murder and dismemberment of Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin.
The suspects were ordered to be demanded at the Oke Kura Correctional Facility and adjourned the case until May 7, 2025, for the commencement of full trial proceedings.
The suspects — AbdulRahman Bello, Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman, and AbdulRahman Jamiu — were brought before the court on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy to murder, actual murder, removal and possession of human parts, and other ritual-related offences.
The incident occurred on February 10, 2025, in the Olunlade area of Ilorin.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants were accused of conspiring to kill Hafsoh Lawal, dismembering her body, draining her blood, and being in possession of her body parts — offences punishable under various sections of the Penal Code CAP P4, Laws of Kwara State 2006.
Besides,the first defendant, AbdulRahman Bello, was charged separately for allegedly raping the deceased — a crime that carries grave legal consequences under Section 283 of the same Penal Code.
All five defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court.
Kwara State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim, led the prosecution team, stating that the state would pursue justice diligently given the gravity of the allegations.
While all defendants had legal representation, AbdulRahman Bello’s counsel is serving on a pro bono basis.
