The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Dr. Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has expressed deep grief over the brutal murder of Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student at the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin. Lawal was allegedly killed by Abdulrahman Bello, a self-proclaimed Islamic cleric.
In response, the Emir has instructed Imams across Kwara State to dedicate their Friday sermons to condemning ritual killings and other immoral acts, stressing the importance of upholding moral values and dignity within society.
A statement released by the Emir’s spokesman, Mallam Abdulazeez Arowona, on Sunday condemned the tragedy, calling it “a most unfortunate, foreign act, and a reprehensible display of wickedness.”
He further urged parents, guardians, and community members to stay vigilant, ensuring that their children and wards associate with trustworthy individuals who come from well-established backgrounds.
Dr. Sulu-Gambari also highlighted that success comes from hard work and urged a collective effort to combat idleness, laziness, and unnecessary loitering among youths, which could lead them astray.
He called on religious leaders to assist in cleansing the community by identifying and reporting individuals like Abdulrahman Bello to law enforcement before they cause further harm.
While expressing condolences to Hafsoh Lawal’s family, the Emir urged the Nigerian Police and judiciary to ensure justice is served.
The statement also directed Imams across Ilorin Emirate and Kwara State to focus their Friday sermons on morality, the dignity of labor, and the sanctity of human life, regardless of tribal, religious, or social differences.
The Kwara State Police recently arrested a 29-year-old Islamic teacher, Abdulrahman Bello, in connection with the murder of Hafsoh Lawal. Lawal, who had met Bello on Facebook, was reportedly invited by him on February 10, 2025, and subsequently murdered and dismembered in a location near Olunlade, on the outskirts of Ilorin.
Confirming the incident, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, stated that investigations are underway. “The Kwara Police Command is aware of the tragic killing of Miss Yetunde H. Lawal. A missing persons report was filed on February 11, 2025, and police detectives promptly tracked her phone number, leading to the arrest of a suspect and the recovery of key evidence. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation,” she said.
The police assured the public that justice would be served as investigations continue.
