Hafso Lawal: Ilorin residents draw lessons from gruesome murder

By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin

The news of the gruesome murder of Yetunde Hafso Lawal spread last weekend, precisely on Saturday, after Nigeria Police officers tracked her phone a few days after she was declared missing. Her father had reported her disappearance at the Divisional Police Headquarters, C-Division, Oja-Oba.

The barbaric killing and dismemberment of the promising young lady was carried out by AbdulRaman Bello, a 25-year-old man she met on Facebook. AbdulRaman confessed to killing Hafso for money rituals.

Yetunde Hafso Lawal had attended the naming ceremony of her friend’s baby near her residence on February 10, 2025, at about 2:00 p.m. She later received a call from AbdulRaman but never returned home.

AbdulRaman, who has been described as a self-acclaimed Islamic scholar, has sparked outrage among genuine Islamic scholars. Many have distanced themselves from his actions, emphasizing that such behavior contradicts Islamic teachings and values.

The gruesome murder of the 24-year-old final-year student of Kwara State College of Education has generated widespread reactions from people across different social classes nationwide.

Although the incident occurred in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, social media amplified the news and subsequent reactions.

Hafso’s tragic death is yet another case in a disturbing trend.

After the police tracked her phone and arrested the alleged killer, several other accomplices were also apprehended.

The suspects were arraigned during the week, and the court adjourned the case hearing to March 6.

WESTERN POST went to town to seek the views of residents of Ilorin on the matter.

Oyebode Abel, a teacher, condemned the gruesome murder and stressed the need to scrutinize people’s sudden wealth, especially when it has no traceable legitimate source.

“My reaction to the incident is similar to that of every right-thinking individual in society. Such practices must be collectively condemned. People’s sudden wealth without a clear source must be questioned, while moral uprightness and virtues should be upheld and appreciated in our society.”

He advised young girls to exercise caution in their relationships.

“How on earth will you exchange numbers with someone you just met on social media and even go as far as visiting them? I am not in any way blaming the victim, but we must be cautious. Many have fallen victim, and others will continue to, at the hands of so-called ‘Yahoo boys’ and ritualists. There is no visible tag or label to identify a bad person.”

To parents and religious leaders, he urged them to prioritize morality and values over modernization.

“In Yoruba culture, there is a saying: Ti idi ba baje, t’o ni idi lo maa da (if the foundation is broken, everything else will collapse). We must be prayerful, careful, and vigilant.”

Similarly, Aliyu Usman, a journalist, described the incident as unfortunate, emphasizing the high level of inhumanity in society.

“It is particularly disheartening that this happened in Ilorin, a city known for Islamic teachings and values. Even more shocking is that the perpetrator claimed to be an Islamic cleric. This exposes the moral decay in society and among some so-called religious leaders. We have lost our communal values and must take urgent action before the situation worsens. The incident is appalling, embarrassing, and damaging to Ilorin’s reputation.”

“Our young girls must be more careful in their relationships. They need to understand that times have changed. In the past, it took significant effort and patience before a girl would agree to visit a man at home. If you were not patient, you could not sustain a relationship. Girls would only meet suitors in a public place near their homes. Where is our morality and the enduring traditions that once kept society safe?”

According to Usman, young women should not rush into relationships with people they meet online without proper background checks.

“How much do they know about these men, their friends, or their families? There are always red flags—if only they are observant. Certain boxes must be checked before such intimacy develops.”

He emphasized that while Hasof was of age to be in a relationship, caution is necessary to avoid similar tragic incidents.

“Parents must take greater responsibility for their children’s welfare. I do not see why individuals below the age of 25–30 should be allowed to live far from their parents. Keeping children within the family home helps to curb reckless behavior. Parents should return to the traditional values of Ilorin. For example, I lived in my family house until I got married. I wanted to move out, but my father did not allow me. It is this so-called modernization and lack of guidance that have led to these problems.”

For religious leaders, he urged them to preach against the growing societal evils.

“Religious leaders must not be found engaging in abominable acts. During the upcoming Ramadan, they should use their sermons to address issues such as ritual killings, the get-rich-quick mentality, and other social vices. They must lead by example.”

Usman also called on the government to regulate religious teachings and the activities of religious leaders.

“Anyone should not be able to wake up one day and start preaching. Many so-called clerics have only half-baked knowledge of religion. Regulation is not a bad thing; it exists in every aspect of human life. Even the food and water we consume are regulated to ensure safety. Religion should be no different. Divine and human laws exist to guide behavior and prevent chaos,” he added.