The Court of Appeal sitting in Ilorin has upheld the death sentence imposed on self-acclaimed Islamic cleric, Abdulrahman Bello, for the murder of Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal, a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin.
In a unanimous judgment, a three-member panel led by Justice Gabriel Omoniyi Kolawole dismissed Bello’s appeal, holding that the prosecution successfully proved beyond reasonable doubt that he murdered the victim and unlawfully possessed human parts.
The appellate court consequently affirmed the judgment of the Kwara State High Court, which sentenced Bello to death by hanging for murder and imposed an additional 10-year prison term for unlawful possession of human parts.
According to the court, the trial judge properly evaluated the evidence presented and correctly found that the prosecution had established the offences beyond reasonable doubt.
Lawal was murdered on February 10, 2025, in the Olunlade area of Ilorin.
Bello and four other defendants were initially arraigned on charges of conspiracy, murder, unlawful removal and possession of human parts and blood. Bello alone also faced a rape charge but was acquitted of that count by the trial court.
The prosecution at the Court of Appeal was led by the Kwara State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Senior Ibrahim Sulyman, alongside Chief State Counsel, Issa Zakari, and Assistant Chief State Counsel, B.L. Abdulsalam.
Reacting to the judgment, the Kwara State Ministry of Justice described the decision as another milestone in the administration of criminal justice in the state.
“The judgment underscores the commitment of the Kwara State Ministry of Justice and the judiciary to ensuring that criminal cases are determined strictly in accordance with the law and the evidence presented before the courts,” the ministry stated.
“It also reaffirms the principle that persons found guilty of grave offences, after a fair trial, will be held accountable under the law.”
The ministry added that the appellate court’s decision would further strengthen public confidence in the justice system.
“The affirmation of the conviction and sentence represents another milestone in the administration of criminal justice and reinforces public confidence in the rule of law and the appellate process.”
It, however, noted that Bello still retains the constitutional right to pursue any further appeal available to him.
The appeal followed the July 2025 judgment of the Kwara State High Court, where Justice Hannah Ajayi convicted Bello of murdering and dismembering Lawal.
Justice Ajayi described the killing as “the highest degree of human wickedness,” adding that it was a “premeditated and cold-blooded act.”
The trial judge rejected Bello’s claim that he intended to marry the deceased, describing it as an afterthought aimed at misleading the court.
She further held that Bello’s conduct after the incident, as well as before his arrest, suggested the possibility of previous involvement in similar acts. The court also noted that a book on money-making charms recovered from his residence further strengthened the prosecution’s case.
Justice Ajayi ruled that both the video and written confessional statements obtained by operatives of the Department of State Services and the police were lawfully admitted in evidence, dismissing Bello’s allegation that the confessions were obtained under torture.
Although acquitted of the rape charge, Bello was convicted of murder and unlawful possession of human parts. He was sentenced to death by hanging for the murder and handed a 10-year prison term, with an option of a N100,000 fine, for the unlawful possession of human parts.
The court also discharged and acquitted the four other defendants — Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman and Abdulrahman Jamiu — after ruling that the prosecution failed to prove their involvement in the offences.
Following the High Court judgment, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, described the killing as tragic and commended the judiciary for ensuring justice.
“The gruesome murder of Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal was pathetic, unfortunate, regrettable and worrisome,” the monarch said in a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Abdulazeez Arowona.
“The judgment has further brightened the hope and trust of the people in the judiciary and security agencies. May Almighty Allah repose the soul of the late Hafsoh Lawal and comfort her family members.”
The Emir also urged parents and guardians to closely monitor the activities and movements of their children and wards to help prevent similar incidents.
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