Abdulrahman Bello, an Islamic cleric and prime suspect in the brutal murder of Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal, a final-year student, stunned the Kwara State High Court on Wednesday with a chilling confession.
In a video presented as evidence, Bello admitted to killing Lawal for a money ritual, stating he acted alone and would have spared her if he had access to human body parts elsewhere.
The trial, presided over by Justice Hannah Olushola Ajayi, revealed gruesome details through testimony from Inspector Ayodele Azeez of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID). Azeez recounted how the case, initially reported on February 14, 2025, led to Bello’s arrest at his Olunlade residence, where police recovered an axe, cutlass, charms, a blood-filled container, and Lawal’s severed hands.
Bello’s video confession, recorded in the presence of a police-provided lawyer, Barrister A.O. Ahmed, was contested by defense counsel Barrister Agbede, who alleged coercion. Justice Ajayi overruled the objection, admitting the evidence and ordering the video played in court. Azeez further testified that Bello’s call records linked him to four accomplices, including his teacher, a fellow student, and close friends, all now co-defendants.
The court adjourned at 11:32 a.m., with proceedings set to resume later today as the case continues to grip the nation.