Residents of Kwara State have voiced their strong demand for swift justice in the case of Abdulrahman Bello, a self-proclaimed Islamic cleric accused of murdering and dismembering his girlfriend, whom he met on Facebook.
A large crowd gathered at the Ilorin Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday to witness Bello’s arraignment, expressing outrage over the horrific crime. Security personnel had to intervene to control the crowd inside the courtroom as they attempted to catch a glimpse of the suspect and his alleged accomplices. After the hearing, the suspects were transported to prison under heavy security.
Emir of Ilorin Calls for Justice
Leading the demand for justice, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers’ Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, condemned the murder and urged the authorities to ensure a fair and expeditious trial.
Describing the incident as “unfortunate, alien, and a deplorable act of wickedness,” the Emir called on Islamic clerics in Ilorin and beyond to help expose individuals like Bello before they cause harm to others. He also emphasized the need for hard work among young people, warning against idleness and unproductive loitering.
Advocacy for Special Court on Gender-Based Violence
Olasupo Abideen, the leader of the Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), labeled the crime as deeply troubling and called for decisive action against such offenses. He advocated for the establishment of a special court to handle cases of gender-based violence swiftly, ensuring that perpetrators face the full weight of the law without prolonged appeals.
Abideen also pushed for a review of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, arguing that it should include provisions addressing technology-facilitated gender-based violence, as the crime originated from a social media interaction.
Shocking Discovery at the Suspect’s Residence
Bello, a 29-year-old from Isale Koto in Ilorin, allegedly carried out his gruesome activities away from his family home, residing instead in an apartment in the Olunlade area.
A search of his residence revealed disturbing evidence, including a blood-stained room, a wooden table used for dismembering bodies, cutting tools, plastic containers filled with human parts and blood, a cooking stove, and various other items. Another room contained personal belongings, suspected ritual materials, and footwear believed to belong to his victims.
Police are still investigating claims that Bello had N6.5 million in his bank account and allegations that he sold human body parts to different locations, including a report that his victim’s head was sold to an associate in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The Murder Case
The victim, Lawal Hafsoh Yetunde, was a final-year student at the Kwara State College of Education in Ilorin. She was last seen on February 10, after leaving a naming ceremony upon receiving a call. When she failed to return, her family reported her disappearance to the police, who tracked her last phone call to Bello’s residence.
Initially, Bello denied any involvement, claiming she had died from an asthma attack at his home. However, further investigation led police to discover her dismembered body and the tools used in the crime.
Community Demands Justice
Abubakar Hafiz, a resident of Asa Local Government Area, called for swift justice, stressing that evidence found at the crime scene suggested this might not have been Bello’s first offense.
Suspect’s Defense
In a video recorded at the police station, Bello denied killing Yetunde for ritual purposes but admitted to dismembering her body and disposing of it in a refuse dump. He claimed she suddenly fell ill and died while visiting his home, and out of panic, he decided to get rid of her remains.
He also described himself as an aspiring student of Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, and insisted this was his first time engaging in such an act.
Court Proceedings
On Tuesday, the Ilorin Magistrate’s Court remanded Bello and five alleged accomplices at Oke Kura Correctional Centre. Presiding over the case, Magistrate Sanusi B. Mohammed adjourned the hearing until March 6, 2025.
Bello and the other suspects, who faced charges of criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, possession of human parts, and armed robbery, appeared in court without legal representation.
