The Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) has commended the Kwara State High Court’s decision to sentence Abdulrahman Bello to death by hanging for the brutal rape and murder of Lawal Hafsoh Yetunde, a 23-year-old final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education.
The verdict was delivered on Thursday by Justice Hannah Olushola Ajayi, over five months after the case sparked public outrage and national calls for justice. Bello, who lured Hafsoh via social media, was found guilty of sexually assaulting and killing her before dismembering her body in what investigators described as a ritualistic act.
Four other defendants tried alongside Bello were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
BBYDI, one of the organisations that led advocacy efforts on the case, hailed the judgment as a significant victory for survivors of gender-based violence and a step forward in restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system.
“Today’s verdict is a landmark moment for justice in Nigeria,” said Nurah Jimoh-Sanni, BBYDI’s Executive Director. “It proves that our legal system, when supported by strong evidence and public vigilance, can deliver justice. Hafsoh’s story must not be in vain. This judgment must set the tone for future cases involving violence against women and girls.”
Hafsoh’s case drew widespread attention not only because of its brutality but also due to the digital grooming tactics used by the perpetrator, highlighting the growing threat of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) in Nigeria. BBYDI has long warned about the increasing number of women being targeted through social media, fake job offers, and exploitative online platforms.
“This is not an isolated case. It is part of a broader pattern where young women are lured online, assaulted, and, in some horrifying cases, murdered,” said Jimoh-Sanni. “Technology is being weaponised, and we must respond with urgency.”
BBYDI’s Role and Ongoing Work
Since the murder in February 2025, BBYDI has been vocal in demanding accountability, supporting awareness campaigns, and working closely with survivors and communities to strengthen protective systems. As part of its HerSafeSpace initiative, the organisation is developing Kemi, a WhatsApp-based chatbot that allows survivors to confidentially report abuse and access legal and psychosocial support.
Additionally, BBYDI has:
- Trained officials and local stakeholders across Kwara’s three senatorial districts on GBV prevention and response
- Convened community forums and interfaith dialogues to shift cultural norms around silence and stigma
- Supported the implementation of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law and Child Rights Act at the local government level
A Call to Sustain the Momentum
While the verdict offers a sense of closure, BBYDI stresses that more must be done. The organisation is calling on the Kwara State Government and other actors to:
- Fully fund and empower the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) to fast-track similar cases
- Establish functional GBV desks across police stations and local government offices
- Increase investment in survivor care, legal aid, and technology regulation
- Prioritise digital safety education for young people, especially girls
“Hafsoh’s death is a reminder that violence against women is a daily crisis. This verdict is a start, but it’s not the end. Justice must be consistent, not selective,” said Nurah Jimoh.
BBYDI reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government, civil society, and communities to prevent future cases and build a safer Kwara where no girl is left unprotected.