The Kwara State High Court, presided over by Justice Hannah Ajayi, has remanded five individuals in custody at the Oke-Kura Correctional Facility, pending trial for the alleged murder of Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin.
AbdulRahman Bello, Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman, and AbdulRahman Jamiu were arraigned on a five-count charge, including conspiracy, murder, mutilation, and unlawful possession of human body parts, relating to an incident reported on February 10, 2025.
The defendants entered pleas of not guilty to all charges.
The prosecution alleges the defendants conspired to cause the death of the 24-year-old victim, subsequently dismembering her body and possessing human remains. AbdulRahman Bello faces an additional charge of rape, contrary to Section 283 of the Penal Code, CAP P4, Laws of Kwara State.
Justice Ajayi adjourned the case to May 7, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
The case has generated significant public concern, prompting renewed calls for enhanced security measures and judicial reforms to address ritual killings and gender-based violence within the state.
