Suspects plead not guilty in Hafsoh Lawal murder case
…as court adjourns to May 7
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
The principal suspect in the murder case of Hafsoh Lawal, a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, AbdulRahman Bello, along with four other suspects, has pleaded not guilty to a five-count charge brought against them.
The suspects appeared before Justice Hannah Ajayi at the Kwara State High Court on Tuesday in Ilorin.
The incident occurred on February 10 this year and has since been the subject of intense public discussion both within and outside the country.
AbdulRahman Bello, Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman, and AbdulRahman Jamiu were arraigned to answer charges related to the alleged murder.
They are accused of conspiring to kill Hafsoh Lawal, dismembering her body, removing body parts, draining her blood, and being in possession of human parts and blood.
AbdulRahman Bello, the prime suspect, is also charged with raping the deceased—an offence punishable under Section 283 of the Penal Code CAP P4, Laws of Kwara State.
All five suspects pleaded not guilty.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Kwara State, Senior Ibrahim, led the prosecution team.
While all the suspects had legal representation, AbdulRahman Bello is being represented pro bono.
In her ruling, Justice Hannah Ajayi ordered that the suspects be remanded at the Oke Kura Correctional Facility until May 7, when the substantive hearing is scheduled to begin.
