Ilorin Emirate Groups Denounce Money Rituals Among Young Herbalists Following Police Crackdown
Leading sociocultural groups in Ilorin have strongly condemned the rising cases of ritual killings and fraudulent activities among individuals falsely presenting themselves as Alfas or herbalist . The Ilorin Anchor Men and Women Initiative (IAMWI) and the Ilorin Women Association (IWA) issued separate statements denouncing the alarming trend following the gruesome murder of a final-year female student, Lawal Hafsoh Yetunde.
PRNigeria reports that Hafsoh, a student of Kwara State College of Education, Ilorin, was allegedly murdered and dismembered by a self-proclaimed cleric, Abdulrahman Mohd Ballo. Her remains were discovered in his residence, a discovery that has sent shockwaves through the community.
In a statement, the President of IAMWI, Alhaji Abdulbaqi Jimoh, decried the increasing involvement of self-styled religious figures in money rituals. He described it as a dangerous reflection of unchecked greed, blind ambition, and the erosion of moral values in society.
“The proliferation of money rituals and fraudulent activities among some young supposed Alfas is a very sad indicator of the dangers of unchecked greed, vaulting ambition, and a serious erosion of moral values,” Jimoh stated.
The group’s spokesperson, Alabidun Shuaib Abdulrahman, further emphasized that it is particularly disheartening to see individuals who should uphold Islamic principles instead engaging in criminal and inhumane acts.
IAMWI has called on law enforcement agencies to take swift action against perpetrators and urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to educate young people about the dangers of ritual killings and other illicit activities.
“We must promote a culture of moral values, hard work, and respect for the sanctity of human life. We cannot afford to stand by while our youth are led astray by false mentors,” Jimoh added.
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Similarly, the Ilorin Women Association (IWA) condemned the incident, describing it as shocking and ungodly. The group’s Coordinator, Prof. Aisha Gobir, expressed deep sorrow over Hafsoh’s tragic fate, calling it a grim reminder of the desperation among some youths to attain wealth through illegitimate means.
In a statement signed by IWA Secretary, Prof. Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, the association commended the swift action taken by the Nigerian Police Force in uncovering the crime and arresting the suspect.
The group further pledged to collaborate with other progressive organizations within the Ilorin Emirate to curb such criminal activities through advocacy and mentorship programs. They also urged parents to be more vigilant about their children’s activities and choices to prevent them from engaging in actions that could tarnish their reputation and that of the community.
IWA also cautioned young people and social media users to be mindful of the personal information they share online, warning that oversharing could make them targets for criminal elements.
Both groups reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the moral and ethical values of the Ilorin Emirate and called for collective efforts to rid the community of harmful practices.
The case of Hafsoh Yetunde has reignited conversations on the dangers of money rituals and the need for stronger measures to address the exploitation of religious identity for criminal activities.
PRNigeria reports that Kwara State police arrested suspect for allegedly killing and dismembering the student he had met on Facebook.
Yetunde was last seen on February 10, 2025, after attending a naming ceremony. Her family reported her missing on February 11, leading police to trace her last call to the suspect. During a search of his residence, Ballo claimed Yetunde died of an asthma attack, but her dismembered body and tools used in the act were found.
Police suspect this may not be his first offense, as suspicious items were discovered in his room. The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation. Nigerians on social media have condemned the cleric on his Facebook account, where he previously shared religious messages.
By PRNigeria
