Hafsoh Murder: Will Abdulrahman Be Sentenced To Death Or Set Free?  …..Prime Suspect Knows Fate July 31st As Court Set Date For Judgement

By Omowumi Omotosho

The murder trial of a graduate of the Kwara State College of Education, Hafsoh Lawal, is drawing to a close, as the final judgement has been scheduled for July 31st, 2025. The case, which resumed for its sixth time on Wednesday at Courtroom 4 of the Kwara State High Court, Ilorin, was presided over by Justice Hanah Ajayi, and focused on the adoption of final written addresses from both the prosecuting and defending counsels.

The prime suspect, Abdulrahman Bello, alongside four other alleged accomplices, was brought into the courtroom in handcuffs by armed personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service. Notably, Abdulrahman was seen wearing the same brown jalabia he has donned since the inception of the case in February, 2025.

In contrast to earlier sittings, the atmosphere in court on Wednesday morning was notably calm, with both legal teams and observers appearing more relaxed.

Barrister Hussein, representing the fourth defendant, argued that the exhibits tendered did not implicate his client in any way. Similarly, Barrister M.A. Yusuf, defending the third defendant, maintained that the prosecution failed to establish any direct link between his client and the crime.

Barrister Oseni, the legal council for the second defendant, contended that the evidence lacked relevance to his client and failed to meet the burden of proof required for conviction.

For the first defendant, Abdulrahman Bello, lead counsel Barrister Chukwudi Maduka challenged the credibility of the alleged confessional statements, arguing they were not voluntary and were properly contested during trial.

He cited inconsistencies raised during the cross-examination of prosecution witnesses PW3, PW6, and PW7, who, according to him, said the statement were not made in their presence. He further faulted specific paragraphs (3.2 and 3.5) of the prosecution’s final address, stating they were not applicable to the facts of the case.

In response, the Attorney General of Kwara State, Barrister Ibrahim Sulyman, who led the prosecution council, asked the court to adopt the written address.

With the final addresses adopted, all eyes are now on July 31st when Justice Hanah Ajayi is expected to deliver her judgement, a verdict that could mark the end of a high-profile case that has gripped public attention and tested the resolve of the judicial process in Kwara State.