Suspected Ritualist Arrested for Murder of UniIlorin Student

Ilorin, Nigeria  —  Kwara State Police Command has apprehended a suspect linked to the gruesome murder and dismemberment of a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin.

The victim, Lawal Yetunde, was reportedly killed by her boyfriend, whom she met through social media. Authorities suspect the murder was ritual-related, with the perpetrator allegedly dismembering her body for diabolical purposes.

Yetunde was last seen on February 10, 2025, when she left home for a naming ceremony. She later departed the event after receiving a call from a friend.

Speaking on the arrest, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, spokesperson for the Kwara State Police Command, stated that officers acted swiftly upon receiving the report. The suspect was tracked down and taken into custody. The case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further inquiries.

A Growing Crisis

The incident adds to the rising trend of ritual killings in Nigeria, often linked to money rituals, political ambitions, and superstitious beliefs. Victims, frequently women or children, are murdered, with their body parts allegedly used in occult practices.

In a similar case, Timilehin Ajayi, a 32-year-old suspect in Nasarawa, recently confessed to killing his girlfriend, Salome Adaidu, and dismembering her body for ritual purposes. He was paraded by the Nasarawa State Police Command and has been arraigned in court.

Another shocking case in Ogun State involved three young men accused of killing their friend’s girlfriend for a money ritual. The suspects reportedly followed instructions from a herbalist who claimed human sacrifices could bring them wealth.

Meanwhile, a hotel in Anambra State was exposed as a hub for ritual killings after guests noticed suspicious activities. A police raid uncovered human heads, blood-stained clothing, and body parts, sparking nationwide outrage and raising concerns over the infiltration of criminal practices into public spaces.

Government and Security Efforts

In response to the rising menace, the Federal Government  has banned the portrayal of money rituals and crime glorification in Nollywood films. Security agencies continue to crack down on suspects, but challenges such as weak law enforcement, corruption, and the elusive nature of perpetrators hinder progress.

While religious and traditional leaders have denounced these acts, the belief in ritual wealth remains widespread. Experts emphasize that tackling this crisis requires stronger law enforcement, community vigilance, and nationwide educational campaigns to dismantle the myth that human sacrifice leads to success.

By Enoch  Odesola| February 16, 2025