Residents of Ilorin have been left in shock following the arrest of a 25-year-old man, Abdulrahman M. Bello, over the gruesome murder of 24-year-old Yetunde Hafsat Lawal, allegedly for money rituals.
The Kwara State Police Command confirmed the arrest, stating that it followed a distress report by the victim’s father, Ibrahim A. Lawal, after Yetunde failed to return home from a naming ceremony on February 10, 2025. According to the police spokesperson, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, efforts to reach her proved abortive, prompting the family to seek help from security operatives.
Investigators traced Yetunde’s phone to Bello, leading to his arrest. A search of his residence uncovered horrifying evidence, including the victim’s severed hands, a bottle containing her blood, a cutlass, a knife, an axe, and other items suspected to be used for rituals.
During interrogation, Bello allegedly confessed that he killed Yetunde for “oshole” or “ajoo ówò,” rituals believed to bring wealth.
“This is a heartbreaking case, and we assure the family and the public that justice will be served,” Ejire-Adeyemi said.
The case has been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and prosecution. The police have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies via emergency numbers 07032069501 or 08125275046.
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