Five men, including AbdulRahman Bello, the alleged prime suspect, have pleaded not guilty to the brutal murder and dismemberment of Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin.
The suspects—AbdulRahman Bello, Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muyideen, Jamiu Uthman, and Abdulrahmon Jamiu—were arraigned before Justice Hannah Ajayi at the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin on Monday, April 14, 2025.
They face a five-count charge including rape, conspiracy, murder, and unlawful possession of human parts.
Hafsoh Lawal was reported missing and later found dead on February 10, 2025.
The disturbing nature of the crime escalated across Kwara State and the nation, while Nigerians protested and called for justice.
Meanwhile, the court premises were heavily guarded as Bello, the first accused, was brought in a white Toyota Hilux by armed operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Bello is specifically charged with raping the victim, an offence under Section 283 of the Penal Code CAP P4, Laws of Kwara State.
The other four defendants—Abdulwasiu (41), Muyideen (28), Uthman (29), and Jamiu (31)—are accused of conspiring with Bello to murder Lawal, drain her blood, and remove parts of her body.
According to the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Senior Sulyman, who is leading the prosecution, the DSS has concluded its investigation.
“The case is now fully under the control of the state. The prosecution is ready to present all necessary evidence. Justice must prevail for Hafsoh,” Sulyman said.
Bello, who is represented pro bono, and the other suspects denied all charges when the counts were read to them.
Justice Ajayi, after listening to both sides, ordered that the suspects be returned to the Oke-Kura correctional facility pending the continuation of the trial.
She adjourned the case until Wednesday, May 7, 2025, for the full hearing.
