A horrifying case has unfolded in Ilorin, Kwara State, where an Islamic cleric, Abdulrahman Mohad Ballo, has been arrested for allegedly killing and dismembering Lawal Hafsoh Yetunde, a final-year student at Kwara State College of Education. The suspect, who reportedly lured the young woman after meeting her on Facebook, initially denied any wrongdoing but later confessed, claiming she suffered an asthmatic attack and died in his residence. However, investigators discovered the victim’s dismembered body, raising concerns about the true nature of the crime and whether it was premeditated.
The tragic disappearance of Yetunde sent shockwaves through her community. According to sources, she was last seen on Monday, February 10, 2025, at a naming ceremony. Witnesses say she received a phone call, stepped aside to answer it, and never returned. Her sudden disappearance triggered a frantic search by her family and friends, who reported her missing at the Oja-Oba Police Station in Ilorin on February 11, 2025.
Police investigators, using her phone records, tracked her last known call to a suspect residing in the Offa Garage area of Ilorin. Upon arrest, the cleric initially denied having any contact with Yetunde. However, during a search of his home, officers made a gruesome discovery—Yetunde’s dismembered body, along with tools used in the act. The nature of the crime scene led authorities to suspect ritual motives, fueling speculation that this may not have been his first offense.
Confirming the arrest, the Kwara State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, issued a statement detailing the sequence of events.
“The Kwara State Police Command is aware of the gruesome killing of one Miss Yetunde H. Lawal. On February 11, 2025, at about 1800 hours, a case of a missing person was reported at C Division Oja-Oba by her father, Mr. Ibrahim A. Lawal. Immediately, detectives swung into action, tracked her number, and arrested a suspect. Exhibits were recovered, and the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation. Further updates will be communicated as the investigation progresses.”
The revelation has sparked outrage across Nigeria, with citizens demanding swift justice for Yetunde. Social media users have flooded the suspect’s Facebook page, where he previously shared religious messages, condemning his actions and calling for a thorough investigation. Many are also questioning how such individuals can hide behind religious identities while committing heinous crimes.
Amid growing concerns over the rising number of similar cases, Nigerians are calling for stricter measures to prevent violent crimes against women. Advocacy groups are urging law enforcement agencies to intensify background checks on individuals posing as religious figures while engaging in criminal activities.
As investigations continue, the police have assured the public that all leads will be pursued to ensure justice is served. The case has once again raised critical questions about security, trust in religious leaders, and the dangers of social media interactions.
The public is now watching closely, hoping that Yetunde’s death will not be another case swept under the rug but will serve as a wake-up call for authorities to take action against those who exploit trust to commit unthinkable crimes.
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