The whereabouts of Abdulrahman Bello, the prime suspect in the murder of Yetunde Lawal, a final-year student at Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, have been confirmed. After weeks of speculation, Bello and his four alleged accomplices appeared before Chief Magistrate Sanusi Mohammed in Ilorin on Thursday.
Brought to court under tight security by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), Bello’s presence debunked earlier reports suggesting he had been transferred to Abuja for further investigation. His court appearance confirmed that he had remained in DSS custody throughout the process.
During the session, which lasted over an hour, the magistrate ordered that the defendants remain in DSS custody for further investigation. The case was adjourned until April 9, 2025, following arguments between the prosecution and the defense teams.
All defendants, except Bello, had legal representation. The accused include Ahmed Abdulwasiu (41), Suleiman Muyideen (28), Jamiu Uthman (29), and Abdulrahmon Jamiu (31), all residents of Ilorin and its surrounding areas. They arrived at the courthouse in a white Toyota Hilux, escorted by DSS operatives.
Chief State Counsel Issa Zakari explained that intelligence reports necessitated the continued detention of the suspects in DSS custody.
“My Lord, after the last adjourned date, we received intelligence reports prompting us to approach your worship to grant an order for the defendants to be moved to the custody of the DSS,” Zakari stated. “As we speak, the investigation is at an advanced stage. We hereby seek an adjournment until a later date when the investigation is completed.”
However, the defense strongly opposed this request. Barrister A.S. Oseni, representing the 2nd and 4th defendants, argued that the case had already been transferred to the High Court, making the magistrate’s order invalid.
“During the last sitting, it was stated that investigations had been concluded. The charge has already been served at the High Court, and a hearing date of April 15, 2025, has been scheduled. This court lacks the jurisdiction to grant such an order,” Oseni argued.
Supporting this stance, the defense counsel for the 3rd and 5th defendants described the continued detention as unlawful, calling on the court to vacate the order.
In response, Zakari dismissed these objections, asserting that the defendants had not yet been formally arraigned at the High Court and that the magistrate had the authority to issue such an order.
“The defendants have not yet been arraigned before the High Court, nor have they taken a plea. The law empowers this court to issue such an order. If the defense is dissatisfied, they are free to challenge it at the Court of Appeal,” he said.
He further emphasized the importance of justice for all parties involved, stating, “Justice is a tripartite arrangement, involving justice to society, justice to the victim, and justice to the defendants.”
After reviewing both arguments, Magistrate Sanusi Mohammed upheld the prosecution’s request and adjourned the case to April 9, 2025.
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