The father of the late Yetunde Lawal, Alhaji Ibrahim Lawal, has strongly asserted that his daughter was murdered for ritual purposes following the discovery of a horn, black soap, and charms in the suspect’s apartment. These items, recovered by the police, have intensified public outcry for justice over the gruesome killing of the final-year student.
The tragedy has sparked widespread concern among Nigerians, particularly in Ilorin, Kwara State, where a special prayer session was held on Saturday at Adefalu Compound, Ojuekun, Ilorin West Local Government Area. The session, organized by Muslim leaders in Ojuekun/Sarumi, was led by the respected Islamic scholar, Imam Alabidun. During the prayers, he implored Allah to grant Yetunde eternal rest while urging her grieving parents to accept her untimely demise as the will of God. The cleric further declared that divine justice would be served upon those responsible for her murder.
A Tragic and Suspicious Disappearance
Yetunde, a resident of her family’s compound, had recently secured a teaching position at a private nursery and primary school in Ilorin. According to her father, she left work around 12:30 p.m. on Monday, intending to attend a friend’s naming ceremony in the neighborhood. While at the event, she informed her friends that she was stepping out to visit someone. That was the last time anyone saw her alive.
When Yetunde failed to return home, her worried family reported her missing at Oja-Oba Police Station after 24 hours. Authorities launched an investigation, which led to the tracking of her phone. The data revealed that she had been in contact with the primary suspect, Abdulrahman Mohammed Bello, an Islamic cleric residing in Olunlade, Ilorin South Local Government Area. Bello was subsequently arrested, and during interrogation, he initially claimed Yetunde had died of an asthma attack. However, under further scrutiny, he later confessed to murdering her.
Father Demands Justice
Expressing his grief, Alhaji Ibrahim Lawal dismissed any notion that the suspect was romantically involved with his daughter. He revealed that Yetunde had a known boyfriend who was already making preparations to formally ask for her hand in marriage.
“About fifteen days ago, I told her to tell the young man I know as her suitor to bring his family to officially begin the marriage process,” he disclosed.
Now grappling with the devastating loss, Yetunde’s father has called on law enforcement agencies and traditional authorities, including the Emir of Ilorin, to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation.
“I am appealing to the Nigerian Police Force, not just in Kwara State but nationwide, and to our father, the Emir of Ilorin, to ensure that justice is served. This case should be handled diligently so that it serves as a deterrent and helps cleanse society of individuals who engage in such evil acts,” he stated.
The Investigation Continues
Yetunde, who had recently completed her National Certificate of Education (NCE) in Chemistry and Integrated Science, had a bright future ahead of her before falling victim to what many suspect to be a ritual killing. The police are intensifying their investigation into Bello’s possible connections to other criminal activities.
The harrowing case has once again brought to light the dangers of meeting acquaintances from social media platforms in unsecured locations. Concerned citizens and advocacy groups are urging young people to exercise caution and for security agencies to heighten efforts in curbing ritual killings.
As the investigation progresses, Nigerians await justice for Yetunde Lawal, a promising young woman whose life was tragically cut short.
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