Police Arrest Islamic Cleric for Murder of Kwara College Student, Recover Dismembered Body Parts, Blood, and Weapons
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of an Islamic cleric, Mohammed A. Bello, for the gruesome murder of a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education, Lawal Hafsoh Yetunde.
The 24-year-old victim was allegedly killed in a ritualistic act linked to money-making rituals known as Oshole/Ajoo.
Bello, a 25-year-old resident of the Offa-Garage area in Ilorin, was apprehended after police traced the victim’s phone records, leading to his arrest and the shocking discovery of Hafsoh’s dismembered body in his residence.
Police spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, in a statement on Sunday, confirmed that Bello had confessed to the crime. “Further search at his residence led to the recovery of exhibits, including two mobile phones and slippers of the deceased, dismembered body parts (both hands), a plastic bottle containing the victim’s blood, a cutlass, a knife, an axe, a wooden box of black soap, a sack containing charms, and a center table used in carrying out this heinous act,” she said.
Investigations revealed that Bello had connected with Hafsoh on Facebook before luring her to his residence. She had been attending a naming ceremony when she received a phone call and left to meet someone. However, she never returned home.
Her father, Ibrahim A. Lawal, reported her missing at the Oja-Oba Police Division after she failed to return. The police, using her phone records, traced her last contact to Bello.
Initially, Bello denied any involvement, claiming Hafsoh died from an asthma attack in his house. However, police discovered her mutilated body along with ritual items, leading to his confession.
Police Assure Justice, Warn Against Ritual Killings
“The Kwara Command extends its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. May Almighty God console and comfort them during this period of grief. We assure the public that justice will be served,” the police statement read.
Authorities have transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Ilorin for further investigation and prosecution.
The police also urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities. “In case of emergencies, call these numbers: 07032069501 or 08125275046,” Ejire-Adeyemi added.
