Ilorin Court Sentences Islamic Cleric to Death for Ritual Murder of College Student

An Islamic cleric, Abdulrahman Mohad, also known as Mohammed A. Bello, has been sentenced to death by a Kwara State High Court sitting in Ilorin for his role in the ritual murder of Lawal Hafsoh Yetunde, a promising final-year student at the Kwara State College of Education. 

The verdict was delivered on Wednesday by Justice Hannah Ajayi, who presided over the matter. The case, which drew widespread attention across the state due to its shocking nature, involved the gruesome killing of the 24-year-old student, who had been declared missing earlier this year. 

According to the court proceedings, Hafsoh was last seen alive on February 10, 2025, after receiving a phone call while attending a naming ceremony. She stepped away to answer the call and was never seen again. Her family reported her disappearance to the police the following day. 

Following a police investigation, the phone number used to contact Hafsoh was traced back to Mohad. Upon arrest, he reportedly confessed to orchestrating her abduction and murder as part of a ritualistic and occult practice carried out in collaboration with a secret cult group. According to the First Information Report (FIR), Mohad admitted to killing the victim and using her body parts for ritual purposes, claiming it was intended to bring spiritual or financial gain. 

Four other suspects initially linked to the crime were also brought before the court: Ahmed Abulwasiu (41), a fellow Islamic scholar; Sulaiman Muhydeen (28), a business operator; Jamiu Uthman (29), a mobile phone technician; and AbdulRahman Jamiu (31), a farmer. However, after reviewing the evidence presented, the court discharged and acquitted all four men, citing insufficient proof of their involvement in the crime. 

Justice Ajayi noted the severity and premeditated nature of the crime in her ruling, emphasizing the need for accountability, particularly in cases involving abuse of religious or spiritual influence. Although initial proceedings did not include a plea due to jurisdictional constraints, the matter was fully heard, and sentencing was handed down upon completion of the trial. 

This case has reignited conversations around ritual killings and the manipulation of religious authority in Nigeria. Human rights groups and student organizations have since called for stricter oversight and justice reforms to prevent similar occurrences in the future.