Islamic leaders in Kwara State have called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the alleged murder of Hafsoh Lawal, a final year student at Kwara State College of Education. The Kwara State Council of Ulama made this demand during a press conference in Ilorin yesterday.
The council condemned the killing of Hafsoh, allegedly carried out by Abdulrahman Bello, an Islamic cleric, for ritual purposes. Speaking on behalf of the council, Justice Solihu Mohammed (retired), former Grand Khadi of the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, emphasized that Islam strictly forbids the killing of human beings.
The council, led by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Sheikh Mohammad Salihu, urged the police to ensure a detailed investigation and bring those responsible to justice. “We commend the police for their efforts so far, but we urge them to be thorough. Justice must be served for Hafsoh and her family,” Justice Mohammed stated.
The Ulama also called for the prosecution of anyone found guilty, stressing that such actions must serve as a warning to others. They expressed their condolences to Hafsoh’s family and assured them of their continued support in seeking justice.
Additionally, the council warned against profiling communities based on the actions of a few individuals. “Ilorin and Kwara State are not hubs for ritualists. We uphold Islamic values and ritual killings have no place in our society,” they said.
To prevent similar incidents, the council revealed that it had recently shut down mosques involved in offenses and plans to organize training for young clerics on proper religious practices.
The Ulama also commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for maintaining peace in the state, emphasizing that security is essential for development.