A 29-year-old Islamic cleric, Mohammed Bello, has been arrested in Ilorin, Kwara State, for allegedly killing and dismembering the body of a woman, Hafsoh Lawal, whom he met on Facebook.
Bello, who was apprehended after the victim’s family reported her missing, claimed she died from an asthma attack, but admitted to cutting up her body to conceal her death.
Victim Went Missing After Naming Ceremony
Hafsoh, a private school teacher, was last seen on Monday after leaving a naming ceremony to meet Bello. When her whereabouts remained unknown, her family alerted the police, who traced her last known phone calls, leading them to the suspect.
A search of Bello’s residence led to the discovery of Hafsoh’s dismembered body, prompting his arrest.
Suspect’s Confession: “I Panicked and Dismembered Her Body”
In a police interrogation video, Bello, speaking in Yoruba, denied killing Hafsoh, insisting that she suffered an asthma attack while he was out buying her food.
“She told me she hadn’t eaten, so I went to get her food. When I returned, she was gasping for breath. I panicked when she died and couldn’t cry out for help. I dismembered her body and disposed of it at a public refuse dump because I didn’t know what else to do.”
He further claimed that it was his first time committing such an act.
Victim’s Family Dismisses Asthma Claims
A friend of the victim’s father, Lawyer Odedele, dismissed Bello’s claim that Hafsoh was asthmatic.
“She was part of those who cooked at the naming ceremony. If she was asthmatic, would she have been able to participate in the cooking? He is just making excuses.”
Attempts to reach the victim’s father, Alhaji Ibrahim Lawal, for comments were unsuccessful.
Police Investigation Ongoing
The Kwara State Police Command has confirmed the incident, stating that investigations are ongoing.
The Command’s spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi, assured that more details would be provided upon the conclusion of the investigation.