The Kwara State High Court in Ilorin was overcome with emotion as dismembered body parts of 22-year-old Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal were presented today as evidence in the ongoing murder trial of AbdulRahman Bello, a 29-year-old Islamic cleric she reportedly met through Facebook.
Just Event Online TV reports, Hafsoh, a final-year student at the Kwara State College of Education, had gone missing on February 10 after abruptly leaving a naming ceremony to answer a phone call. Her sudden disappearance sparked widespread concern and a police investigation that eventually led to Bello’s arrest.
According to police accounts, Bello lured Hafsoh to his residence, where he allegedly murdered and mutilated her. In a grim display at the court, officers from the Criminal Investigation Department presented exhibits including human palms, a keg suspected to contain human blood, a cutlass, an axe, and charms.
The courtroom fell silent as the victim’s father, Mr. Ibrahim Lawal, broke down in tears while identifying his daughter’s remains.
Police initially reported that the suspect claimed Hafsoh died from an asthma attack. However, he later confessed to dismembering her body. Four other individuals have also been arraigned in connection with the case.
The Kwara State Government, which is now handling the prosecution, has vowed to pursue justice. Presiding Judge, Justice Hannah Ajayi, adjourned the trial to May 12 for continued witness testimonies.
