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

 

On Wednesday, July 30, 2025, a Kwara State High Court in Ilorin, presided over by Justice Hannah Ajayi, sentenced an Islamic cleric, Abdulrahman Mohad (also known as Mohammed A. Bello), to death for the ritual murder of Lawal Hafsoh Yetunde, a 24-year-old final-year student at the Kwara State College of Education.

Details of the Case:

▪ Lawal Hafsoh Yetunde was reported missing on February 11, 2025, after she disappeared on February 10, 2025, while on a phone call.

▪ Police traced the phone call to Mohad, who was arrested and reportedly confessed to orchestrating her abduction and murder.

▪ According to the First Information Report (FIR), Mohad admitted to using the victim's body parts for ritualistic purposes, claiming it was for spiritual or financial gain.

▪ Four other suspects—Ahmed Abulwasiu, Sulaiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman, and AbdulRahman Jamiu—were initially linked to the crime but were discharged and acquitted by the court due to a lack of evidence.

Court Ruling:

▪ Justice Ajayi noted the severity and premeditated nature of the crime in her ruling.

▪ The verdict has sparked renewed conversations about ritual killings and the abuse of religious authority in Nigeria, with human rights and student groups calling for stricter oversight and justice reforms.