The trial of Abdulrahman Bello and his alleged accomplices over the suspected ritual murder of 22-year-old Hafsoh Lawal took a dramatic turn on Wednesday as disturbing evidence—including human parts, blood-filled bottles, charms, and personal items—was presented before a High Court sitting in Ilorin, Kwara State.
Led by the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Senior Sulyman, the prosecution opened its case with testimonies that shocked the packed courtroom and shed more light on the gruesome incident that occurred in February.
ASP Yusuf Garba of the State CID, who took the stand as the first prosecution witness, said the suspects were brought to his office with various shocking exhibits. “I received human hands, female slippers, mobile phones, charms, an axe, and blood-stained containers, which I registered under charge sheet number CER/22/25,” he said.
However, under cross-examination by defence lawyers Barristers Chukwudi Maduka and A.O. Oseni, Garba admitted he was not personally present during the arrest and recovery of the exhibits but said the suspects were brought in with the items already in police custody.
Inspector Mohammed Kamal of the homicide unit, who testified as the second witness, confirmed that Abdulrahman Bello confessed to the murder and aided police in recovering additional human parts. He said the remains were later preserved at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH).
“The father of the victim confirmed that the severed hands belonged to his daughter,” Kamal added.
The victim’s father, Ibrahim Lawal Adefalu, gave an emotional account of Hafsoh’s last day. According to him, she had left home to assist with a friend’s baby naming ceremony and never returned.
“Her mother searched everywhere, but we couldn’t find her. Her phone line went dead. Eventually, the police tracked her phone and arrested Bello, who confessed to killing and dismembering her. The police brought back her slippers, phones, and hands with Laali designs,” he said tearfully.
Justice Hannah Olushola Ajayi admitted the exhibits, including the human parts, charms, and other items, into evidence.
A fourth witness, Falilat Abdulafees, Hafsoh’s friend and a student at Kwara State College of Education, also testified. She said Hafsoh had abruptly left the naming ceremony after receiving a call and was never seen again.
The court adjourned the matter to Monday, May 12, 2025, for continuation of the trial.
