Abdulrahman Bello, the primary suspect in the brutal killing of Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, has confessed in court to murdering the victim for money rituals.
The suspect, who also identified himself as an Islamic cleric, admitted to acting alone and claimed he needed human hands as ingredients for a ritual.
He expressed remorse, saying he would not have committed the crime if he had known another way to obtain the needed items.
The case was heard on Wednesday, with Police Inspector Ayodele Azeez, from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of the Kwara State Police Command, presenting detailed testimony before the court.
“On February 14, 2025, a case of murder and rape was transferred from C Division, Oja-Oba, to the State CID,” Inspector Azeez said.
“The first defendant, Abdulrahman, was found in possession of various items including: an axe, cutlass, charms, blood-filled container, Hafsoh’s severed hands, and multiple phones.”
Additional items recovered from the scene included a consultation book, paint rubber, slippers, and a table, among others.
The case was subsequently transferred to the anti-homicide and anti-robbery units, led by ASP Dada Segun.
Inspector Azeez recounted how he obtained Abdulrahman’s statement in a controlled environment, ensuring legal representation.
Though the suspect initially lacked funds for a lawyer, counsel A.O. Ahmed was provided, and the confession was documented in the suspect’s own handwriting and later signed.
“I also recorded the confession using my Android phone, later transferring it to my laptop and a compact disc, with a certificate of compliance,” the officer added.
The prosecution presented the video evidence in court. Despite objections from Barrister Agbede, who argued that the statement was coerced, Justice Hannah Ajayi overruled and admitted the compact disc as an exhibit. She ordered it be played in the courtroom.
Inspector Azeez further testified that on February 16, his team visited the crime scene at Olunlade, where a pair of earrings belonging to Hafsoh was recovered.
He also revealed that analysis of Abdulrahman’s call logs showed frequent contact with the other defendants both before and on the day of the crime. Upon their arrest and confrontation, the police discovered clear associations among them:
- The 2nd defendant was identified as Abdulrahman’s teacher
- The 3rd defendant was a student of the 2nd
- The 3rd and 5th defendants were his close friends
Although searches were conducted at their homes, no additional evidence was recovered.
As of press time, the court had gone on recess, with further proceedings expected to continue later in the day.
