Metro
Kwara Self-Acclaimed Imam Bags Death Sentence for Killing, Mutilating Female Student
A self-acclaimed Ilorin-based Islamic cleric, Abdulrahman Bello, accused of killing and dismembering the body of a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, Hafsat Yetunde Adefalu Lawal, in connivance with four others, has been found guilty and sentenced to death by hanging.
However, Justice Hannah Ajayi of the Kwara State High Court, in her judgment on Thursday, discharged and acquitted Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman, and Abdulrahman Jamiu — the four other accused persons in the trial — of any connection to the five-count charge case.
Justice Ajayi, who described the offence by the prime suspect as the highest degree of human wickedness and a cruel act, held that his defence in court showed he had a preconceived intention of killing the victim for money-making ritual purposes.
She also said that the confession of love by the prime suspect for the victim, with the intention to marry her, as stated in his defence, was a concocted lie to deceive the court.
The judge further stated that the attitude of the convict after committing the crime and before his arrest by law enforcement officers suggested that it may not have been his first time engaging in such an act.
The court also held that video and written evidence taken by officers of the DSS and police from the convict duly complied with the laws of the state.
It also held that no evidence substantiated the convict’s claim of being beaten or sustaining bloodstains due to police brutality. The judge said the convict did not present himself as a witness of truth, “because all what he said to deny allegations against him were afterthought”. More so, a book containing secrets of money-making charms was found in his apartment.
Justice Hannah Ajayi, who took a moment while delivering the judgment to admonish members of the public — especially young adults — on the bad influence of social media, said the victim might have been alive if she had informed family, friends, or relatives of her movement or visit to a Facebook male friend before she was killed.
The incident occurred on February 10, 2025, at Olunlade Area of Ilorin, Kwara State. The case has since attracted significant public attention both within and outside the state.
Justice Ajayi found the convict guilty of being in possession of human parts and human blood and sentenced him to 10 years’ imprisonment, with an option of a ₦100,000 fine or a six-month jail term.
The court, which freed the convict of the rape charge, however, found him guilty of killing and dismembering the body of the victim and thus sentenced him to death by hanging.
It is recalled that Abdulrahman Bello and the four others were accused of conspiring and causing the death of Hafsat Lawal and dismembering her body.
They were also accused of conspiring to engage in the removal of her body parts, draining her blood, and being in possession of human parts and blood.
The prime suspect, Abdulrahman Bello, was solely accused of raping the deceased — an offence punishable under Section 283 of the Penal Code, CAP P4, Laws of Kwara State.
All five accused persons pleaded not guilty.
The five-count charge includes:
COUNT ONE: That you Abdulrahman Bello, Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman, and Abdulrahman Jamiu on or about 10th February, 2025, at Olunlade Area, Ilorin, Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired to commit an illegal act, to wit; conspired to cause the death of one Hafsat Yetunde Adefalu and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 97 of the Penal Code, CAP. P4, Laws of Kwara State 2006.
COUNT TWO: That you Abdulrahman Bello, Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman, and Abdulrahman Jamiu on or about 10th February, 2025, at Olunlade Area, Ilorin, Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, committed an illegal act, to wit: caused the death of one Hafsat Yetunde Adefalu, then dismembered her body and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 221 of the Penal Code, CAP. P4, Laws of Kwara State 2006.
COUNT THREE: That you Abdulrahman Bello, Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman, and Abdulrahman Jamiu on or about 10th February, 2025, at Olunlade Area, Ilorin, Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, conspired to commit an illegal act, to wit: conspired to engage in the removal of human parts; found in possession of human parts; engaged in the draining of human blood and found in possession of human blood, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 9 and punishable under Section 12(a) of the Kwara State Prohibition of Dealing in Human Parts Law, Laws of Kwara State, 2018.
COUNT FOUR: That you Abdulrahman Bello, Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman, and Abdulrahman Jamiu on or about 10th February, 2025, at Olunlade Area, Ilorin, Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, committed an illegal act, to wit: you engaged in the removal of human parts; found in possession of human parts; engaged in the draining of human blood and found in possession of human blood, and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 7(a)-(d) and punishable under Section 12(a) of the Kwara State Prohibition of Dealing in Human Parts Law, Laws of Kwara State, 2018.
COUNT FIVE: That you Abdulrahman Bello on or about 10th February, 2025, at Olunlade Area, Ilorin, Kwara State, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, committed an illegal act, to wit: you raped one Hafsat Yetunde Adefalu and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 283 of the Penal Code, CAP. P4, Laws of Kwara State.
The Ministry of Police Affairs has countered an earlier statement by the Police Service Commission (PSC) regarding the closure of the portal for admission applications into the Nigeria Police Academy, saying the statement was misleading and false.
A statement signed by the Director of Information and Public Affairs Unit, and made available to the National Association of Online Security News Publishers (NAOSNP) said the admission portal is still open and running. It accused the PSC of meddling into affairs it has no constitutional rights or jurisdiction over.
The statement in full:
The attention of the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil, Kano State, and the Federal Ministry of Police Affairs has been drawn to a misleading and inaccurate disclaimer issued by the Police Service Commission (PSC) on 31st July 2025.
We wish to categorically state that:
The application for admission into the 12th Regular Course Degree Programmes of the Nigeria Police Academy is valid. The admission process is ongoing and follows due process in line with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and Federal Ministry of Police Affairs guidelines,
The PSC has no constitutional role in university admissions, and its statement is therefore legally baseless and misleading.
All interested applicants and the general public are advised to disregard the said disclaimer. The online application portal remains open as earlier advertised.
As part of its commitment to sustainable development and community well-being, Access Bank has launched the Access Clean Water Project, a transformative initiative aimed at improving access to clean water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) in 10 communities across Nigeria.
Through the Access Clean Water Project, Access Bank has facilitated the installation of boreholes in 10 underserved communities, namely: Arogun, Omu Ishoko, Kemta, Ajibode, Aleku, Ogunrun, Oniwawa, Okeran, Abaren, and Afojupa, ensuring reliable access to clean and safe water for thousands of residents. The project, implemented in partnership with HACEY, a leading development organisation, directly supports Sustainable Development Goal 6, ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
With Nigeria’s population exceeding 200 million and access to pipe-borne water in urban households declining from 32% in 1990 to just 3% in 2015, the need for sustainable water solutions has never been more urgent.
The Access Clean Water Project addresses this challenge by providing functional boreholes and WASH education to communities in Obafemi Owode and Otta Local Government Areas, benefiting over 500,000 residents.
This initiative aligns with Access Bank’s broader Corporate Social Investment (CSI) strategy and reinforces its position as a leading sustainability-focused financial institution. By supporting clean water access, the Bank is fostering community growth through improved health, education, and economic opportunities and demonstrating its commitment to inclusive development and long-term positive impact.
“Access Bank is proud to support this vital initiative that not only improves lives but also strengthens the foundation for sustainable economic growth,” said Esther Graham, Programme Officer, Health, Access Holdings PLC. “Our commitment to community development is unwavering, and we believe access to clean water is a fundamental right that drives progress.”
In addition to infrastructure development, the Access Bank Clean Water Project includes comprehensive WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) education, equipping community members with essential knowledge on hygiene practices and the prevention of waterborne diseases. The impact of this initiative is far-reaching.
By improving access to clean water, the project is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of waterborne illnesses, enhance hygiene standards, and promote healthier living conditions. Ultimately, the project is expected to strengthen community resilience, drives sustainable development, and reaffirm Access Bank’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and well-being across Nigeria.
A lady, Augustina Mowari, who resides at Okitipupa in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, has allegedly stabbed her boyfriend Michael Ikuedowoni to death over allegation of infidelity.
The incident that occurred last weekend has caused outrage among residents of the community. Sources in the town said that Augustina attacked Michael following a dispute over alleged infidelity.
The two lovebirds were reportedly cohabiting in a one-room apartment and had been having persistent issues over trust and suspected cheating.
A close friend of the deceased, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the misunderstanding between the lovers escalated into a violent altercation.
“Both of them have been having issues. The lady accused Michael of cheating on her with another woman, which led to a heated argument. In the course of the fight, she brought out a pair of scissors and stabbed him in the leg,” reports quoted a source as saying.
The source said Michael was initially taken to a nearby hospital, where he received treatment and was discharged after being administered injections and prescribed medication.
He saoid: “After being discharged, his condition deteriorated at home. His leg became swollen, and he was rushed back to the hospital on Sunday night. Unfortunately, he passed away despite the doctors’ efforts to save him.”
The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the State, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the suspect has been arrested and placed in protective custody.
Ayanlade said: “There was an argument between the two, which led to the suspect stabbing the victim with scissors. He later died in the hospital. The suspect is in our custody, and the case will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.”
