Body of Murdered Student Hafsoh Lawal Released for Burial, Court Hears Chilling Details

The Kwara State High Court in Ilorin has granted the bereaved family of Hafsoh Lawal—the final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education who was brutally murdered earlier this year—permission to retrieve her dismembered remains for burial in accordance with Islamic rites.

The request was made during Monday’s hearing by the state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Ibrahim Sulyman, who leads the prosecution against five suspects charged in the case. In a rare moment of shared humanity, the defence counsel for the first defendant, Mr. Chukwudi Maduka, raised no objection and expressed sympathy with the family.

The trial of Abdulrahman Bello and four others, accused of conspiracy and the horrific murder of Hafsoh Lawal, resumed with chilling witness testimonies that recounted the discovery of her dismembered body—a crime that has shocked the state since it came to light in February.

Three key witnesses, including two police officers and Dr. Olaleke Folaranmi, a pathologist from the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, testified before the court.

According to investigators from the Police ‘C’ Division and the State Criminal Investigation Department, Bello confessed orally to the crime and led officers to his residence, where parts of Hafsoh’s body were discovered. Additional remains were later recovered from a dumpsite in the Olunlade area and another refuse site near the Okolowo–Eyenkorin Expressway.

“Bello led us to the dumpsite, but by then the remains had been moved. A scavenger eventually helped us recover them. Bello identified the body parts as those of Hafsoh,” one officer testified.

A video showing the discovery of the body parts in Bello’s apartment, along with a certificate of compliance, was admitted by the court despite objections from the defence team.

Sergeant Moses, another witness, told the court that Hafsoh’s father had reported her missing on February 11. He testified that phone tracking led the police to Bello, who allegedly tried to bribe him during his arrest.

A search of Bello’s home reportedly uncovered blood-stained weapons, charms, and buckets filled with human remains preserved in gin.

Pathologist Dr. Folaranmi confirmed that the recovered remains were human and belonged to Hafsoh. His autopsy report was admitted as Exhibit P17.

Presiding Judge Hannah Ajayi rejected a bail application from the defendants, describing it as a distraction from the gravity of the case. She assured that the trial would receive accelerated hearing.

With the court’s approval, Hafsoh’s family will now be able to give their daughter a dignified burial.

The case was adjourned to May 21, 2025, for continuation of the trial.