Ilorin, Kwara State – February 22, 2025
The father of Hafsat Lawal, a 24-year-old final-year student of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, has called for justice following her gruesome murder. Hafsat was allegedly killed and dismembered by a cleric and Islamic teacher in what her family believes was a ritual killing.
Mallam Ibrahim Lawal, a secondary school teacher in Kwara State, recounted the heartbreaking events leading up to his daughter’s disappearance and eventual discovery. According to him, Hafsat had completed her studies in Chemistry and Integrated Science but was facing minor delays in obtaining her final results. While awaiting clearance, she took up a teaching job at a private school to remain productive.
Last Moments Before Disappearance
On the day she went missing, Hafsat returned home around 12:30 p.m. to attend a friend’s child-naming ceremony. While at the event, she received a call, prompting her to leave abruptly without even eating the meal served to her. That was the last time her family saw her alive.
Concerned about her absence, her father attempted to reach her by phone, but his calls went unanswered. Hours later, both of her phone numbers had been switched off. Initially, the family assumed she might have visited a relative without informing them. However, after 24 hours with no word from her, they reported the case to the police at C Division, Oja-Oba, Ilorin.
Breakthrough in Investigation
Following advice from the police, the family and law enforcement officials tracked Hafsat’s phone records. This led to the arrest of an individual who had contacted her multiple times on the day she disappeared. The suspect, identified as Abdulrahman Bello, an Islamic cleric residing in the Olunlade area of Ilorin, initially denied any involvement.
However, after intense questioning, he reportedly confessed to the crime and led investigators to where he had disposed of her remains. Authorities suspect he may not have acted alone, and further investigations are ongoing.
Family’s Agonizing Wait for Justice
Hafsat’s devastated mother broke into tears upon hearing the tragic news, while her father expressed frustration over the delay in securing justice. “We will not allow this case to be swept under the rug. If the government fails us, we will seek justice through other means,” he warned.
The police have assured the family that investigations will continue to uncover all individuals involved in the heinous act. Meanwhile, human rights groups and concerned citizens have begun calling for swift action and the prosecution of those responsible.
The tragic murder of Hafsat Lawal has sparked outrage, with many demanding stronger security measures to protect young women and harsher penalties for perpetrators of such crimes.
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