The Court of Appeal, Ilorin Judicial Division, has affirmed the conviction and death sentence imposed on Abdulrahman Bello for the gruesome murder of Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal, a student of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin.

In a unanimous judgment delivered by a panel led by Hon. Justice Gabriel Omoniyi Kolawole, the appellate court dismissed Bello’s appeal and upheld the decision of the trial court. It held that the prosecution proved the offences of murder and unlawful possession of human parts beyond reasonable doubt.

The court further held that the trial judge properly evaluated the evidence presented and arrived at the correct verdict. Consequently, it found no basis to interfere with either the conviction or the sentence of death by hanging earlier imposed on the appellant.

The prosecution team was led by the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Kwara State, Senior Advocate Ibrahim Sulyman, SAN, alongside Chief State Counsel Issa Zakari and Assistant Chief State Counsel B.L. Abdulsalam of the Kwara State Ministry of Justice.

Bello was convicted for the murder of Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal, who was reportedly his girlfriend. According to the prosecution, he killed and dismembered the victim’s body in an alleged ritual-related crime.

The appellate court’s decision marks a significant milestone in the administration of criminal justice. It underscores the commitment of the Kwara State Ministry of Justice and the judiciary to ensuring that criminal cases are determined strictly on the basis of law and credible evidence.

Legal observers note that the judgment further strengthens public confidence in Nigeria’s criminal justice system by affirming that individuals found guilty of serious offences after a fair trial will be held fully accountable under the law.

Notwithstanding the dismissal of his appeal, the convict retains the right to pursue any further appeals available to him under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and other applicable laws.

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