‘Cleric’ accused of raping, killing Kwara student backtracks, pleads not guilty

The prime suspect in the murder of Hafsah Lawal, a final year student of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, AbdulRahman Bello, on Tuesday, pleaded not guilty to the crime when he was arraigned at the High Court. The incident occurred on February 10, 2025.  His latest position contradicted his earlier stand while the […]

The prime suspect in the murder of Hafsah Lawal, a final year student of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, AbdulRahman Bello, on Tuesday, pleaded not guilty to the crime when he was arraigned at the High Court.

The incident occurred on February 10, 2025. 

His latest position contradicted his earlier stand while the trial lasted at the lower court when he confessed to the crime and pleaded with the magistrate to free his co-accused that they were innocent.

AbdulRahman and the four other accused pleaded not guilty to all the 5-count charges in court brought against them. 

He is standing trial with Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman and AbdulRahman Jamiu.

They were accused of conspiracy and causing the death of the deceased before dismembering her body for allegedly ritual purposes.

AbdulRahman is solely accused of raping the deceased, an offence punishable under Section 283 of the Penal code CAP P4, Laws of Kwara state. 

 The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Kwara State, Senior Ibrahim led the prosecution team

While all the suspects had legal representatives, the prime suspect, AbdulRahman Bello is represented on a pro bono basis. 

In her ruling, Justice Hannah Ajayi, directed that the suspects be remanded at the Oke Kura correctional facility pending the commencement of the proper hearing of the case.

The matter was then adjourned till May 7th, 2025.