Justice Hannah Olushola Ajayi of the Kwara State High Court in Ilorin on Thursday July 31, 2025, delivered a death sentence by hanging to Abdulrahman Bello, convicted of murdering Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal, a 24-year-old student of Kwara State College of Education.
In her judgment, Justice Ajayi described the killing of Hafsoh as “the highest degree of human wickedness”.
The court, however, discharged and acquitted four other defendants who were initially charged alongside Bello.
They are, Ahmed Abdulwasiu, 41, of Zone C, No. 47 Adualere Area, Ilorin, Suleiman Muyideen, 28, a businessman at Neolife Business, No. 7 Adualere Area, Amilere Milengbe, Ilorin, Jamiu Uthman, 29, a phone repairer, Adualere Area, Ilorin, and Abdulrahmon Jamiu, 31, a farmer from Elemere Village via Malete Town in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State
Meanwhile, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alh Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has commended the judgment delivered by Justice Hannah Olushola Ajayi, describing it as a step toward justice and deterrence.
The Emir mesaage was contained In a statement issued by his Press Secretary, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, saying “ the gruesome murder of Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal was pathetic, unfortunate, regrettable, and deeply worrisome. It is one of the greatest evils imaginable, and we pray never to witness such again.”
He further noted that the judgment has renewed public confidence in the judiciary and security agencies.
“ May Almighty Allah repose the soul of the late Hafsoh Lawal and comfort her family during this difficult time,” he added.
Dr Sulu-Gambari equally appealed to parents and guardians to remain vigilant and closely monitor their children and wards, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility in preventing the recurrence of such tragic and untoward situation.
