The Kwara State Police Command has received high praise from the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) for its swift and meticulous investigation into the gruesome murder of Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal, a student of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin.
In a formal commendation letter addressed to the state’s Commissioner of Police, CDHR lauded the investigative efforts of Sergeant Joshua Moses Olatunde of the ‘C’ Division Police Station, Oja Oba.
The organization urged the police authorities to recognize and reward his exemplary service, which led to the arrest and prosecution of the prime suspect, Abdulrahman Bello.
News Bulletin Nigeria recalls Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal was declared missing by her parents on February 10, 2025. Sergeant Olatunde, the lead investigator, meticulously tracked five individuals linked to the victim through her call records.
After interrogations, four suspects were released on the condition of daily check-ins, while Abdulrahman Bello remained in custody due to inconsistencies in his statements.
A critical breakthrough came when the suspect attempted to bribe the officer with ₦2 million to halt the investigation.
However, Sergeant Olatunde, demonstrating unwavering integrity, rejected the bribe, secured the suspect in handcuffs, and swiftly informed his Divisional Police Officer (DPO) before proceeding further.
His decision to conduct a search at the suspect’s residence in Olunlade, Ilorin, opposite Kingdom Heritage School, led to the discovery of chilling evidence, including: a table used as a slaughter slab, dismembering tools such as cutlasses, knives, and bowls, human body parts, including dismembered hands, and a pair of slippers belonging to the victim
Upon interrogation, Bello confessed to disposing of the victim’s body parts in a waste bin, which had already been collected by the Kwara State Waste Management Agency.
However, police officers, assisted by scavengers at the Oko-Olowo dumpsite, recovered the victim’s remains—mutilated and missing the head, legs, hands, breasts, and internal organs.
The case has since been transferred to the State High Court, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). The next hearing is scheduled for March 20, 2025, as formal arraignment proceedings begin.
In their letter, Barrister Femi Falana (SAN), Chairman of CDHR’s Board of Trustees, and Comrade Debo Adeniran, National President of CDHR, highlighted Sergeant Olatunde’s professionalism, incorruptibility, and bravery. The Kwara State Chairman of CDHR, Afolabi Lukman, and the Acting State Secretary, Mrs. Folashade Olabanji, signed the letter, urging police authorities to reward the officer for his outstanding service.
“This officer’s unwavering commitment to justice has not only solved a heinous crime but also reinforced public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force,” the letter read.
The commendation was copied to the Attorney General, the Commissioner for Justice, and the State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), signaling a broader call for institutional recognition of police officers who uphold justice with integrity.
As the legal process unfolds, human rights groups and concerned citizens continue to demand justice for the victim and her family, ensuring that such crimes do not go unpunished.
THE LETTER IS REPRODUCED BELOW
March 10, 2025
Commissioner of Police,
Kwara State Police Command.
Police Headquarters, Ilorin
Dear Sir,
LETTER OF COMMENDATION AND REQUEST TO REWARD THE INVESTIGATING POLICE OFFICER RESPONSIBLE FOR SOLVING THE MURDER OF HAFSOH YETUNDE LAWAL
On behalf of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Barrister Femi Falana (SAN), and the National President, Comrade Debo Adeniran of the above mentioned human rights organisation, we wish to commend the Nigeria Police Force under your command in Kwara State for the swift and thorough investigation led by the Seargent Joshua Moses Olatunde of ‘C’ Division Police Station, Oja Oba.
The case of the missing student, Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, was reported on February 10, 2025, by her parents. As a human rights organization, we have closely followed the case from the initial report through the arrest of the prime suspect, Abdulrahman Bello. We have visited the ‘C’ Division Police Station, engaged with the deceased’s parents, attended proceedings at the Magistrate Court, and are now monitoring the case at the State High Court.
Seargent Joshua Moses Olatunde demonstrated exceptional diligence when investigating the five individuals tracked through the victim’s call log. Focusing on the primary suspect, Abdulrahman Bello, he detained him while releasing the other four on the condition that they report daily to the division.
The IPO’s decision to conduct a search at the suspect’s residence in Olunlade, Ilorin, proved pivotal. On the way to the location, realizing the officer’s commitment to uncovering the truth, Abdulrahman Bello attempted to bribe him with ₦2 million and other offers. However, in a remarkable display of integrity and professionalism, Inspector Olatunde rejected the bribe, handcuffed the suspect, and immediately returned to the station to brief his Divisional Police Officer (DPO). He also requested additional security reinforcements, recognizing the potential danger of accomplices lying in wait.
Upon searching the suspect’s house at Olunlade, opposite Kingdom Heritage School, the police uncovered shocking evidence, including:
A table used as a slaughter slab,
Dismembering tools such as a cutlass, knife, and bowls,
Human body parts, including dismembered hands,
A pairs of slippers belonging to Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal.
The suspect confessed to disposing of the victim’s body parts in a waste bin. However, by the time of discovery, the Kwara State Waste Management Agency had already transported the contents to the refuse dump in Oko-Olowo, Ilorin. The police, with the assistance of scavengers, searched the dumpsite and located the victim’s remains—mutilated and missing the head, legs, hands, breasts, and internal organs.
The case is now adjourned to March 20, on reception of Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP)’s legal advice for formal arraignment at the High Court. Given the thoroughness of the investigation and the overwhelming evidence, we are confident that justice will be served.
Sir, in light of his exceptional bravery, steadfastness, professionalism, and incorruptibility, we respectfully request that you recognize and reward Sergeant Joshua Moses Olatunde for his outstanding service. His dedication has not only solved a heinous crime but also enhanced the reputation of the Nigeria Police Force, particularly in Kwara State.
We appreciate your usual cooperation.
Yours faithfully,
Afolabi Lukman
State Chairman, CDHR, Kwara State
07060898964
Mrs. Folashade Olabanji
Ag. State Secretary, CDHR, Kwara State
Cc.:
*Attorney General, Commissioner for Justice
*State Director, Public Prosecution (DPP)
