Court Orders Return of Hafsoh Lawal’s Killer, Abdulrahman Ballo, and Others to DSS Custody

Court Orders Return of Hafsoh Lawal’s Killer, Abdulrahman Ballo, and Others to DSS Custody

By Fly Cable News

An Ilorin Magistrate Court on Thursday, March 20, 2025, granted an order for Abdulrahman Ballo, the suspected killer of Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal, and his co-defendants to be returned to the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.

It was recently reported that the suspects, who were previously held at the Nigeria Correctional Service facility in Oke-Kura, Ilorin, had been transferred to the DSS. This move countered speculations that they had been taken to Abuja, as claimed by some media outlets.

The trial commenced at 9:12 AM at Magistrate Court 8, presided over by Magistrate S.B. Mohammed, and ended at 10:20 AM. The magistrate advised the defendants to seek legal redress if they were dissatisfied with the court’s decision.

All the defendants were physically present in court with their lawyers, except for the principal suspect, Abdulrahman Ballo, who has yet to secure legal representation.

List of Defendants Arraigned Alongside Abdulrahman Ballo:

Ahmed Abdulwasiu, 41, of Zone C, No. 47, Adualere Area, Ilorin.

Suleiman Muyideen, 28, a Neolife Business operator, No. 7, Adualere Area, Amilere Milengbe, Ilorin.

Jamiu Uthman, 29, a phone repairer from Adualere Area, Ilorin.

Abdulrahmon Jamiu, 31, a farmer from Elemere Village via Malete, Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State.

The defendants were brought to court in a white Toyota Hilux bus, escorted by DSS operatives under tight security.

Announcing his appearance before the court, Chief State Counsel Issa Zakari stated:

“My Lord, after the last adjourned date, we received an intelligence security report, pursuant to which we approached your worship regarding the transfer of the defendants to the custody of the DSS.”

The case continues as investigations progress.