AbdulRahman Bello, the prime suspect in the murder of Hafsah Lawal, a final-year student at Kwara State College of Education in Il?rin, pleaded not guilty on Tuesday when arraigned at the state high court.

The incident, which occurred on 10 February 2025, took a dramatic turn as Bello's current plea contradicts his earlier confession at a magistrates' court, where he admitted guilt and appealed for the release of four co-accused individuals he claimed were innocent.

AbdulRahman and the four other defendants-charged with five counts including murder and conspiracy-denied all allegations during Tuesday's proceedings."

He is standing trial with Ahmed Abdulwasiu, Suleiman Muhydeen, Jamiu Uthman and AbdulRahman Jamiu.

They were accused of conspiracy and causing the death of the deceased before dismembering her body for alleged ritual purposes.

AbdulRahman is solely accused of raping the deceased, an offence punishable under Section 283 of the Penal code CAP P4, Laws of Kwara State.

The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Kwara State, Senior Ibrahim led the prosecution team.

While all the suspects had legal representatives, the prime suspect, AbdulRahman Bello was represented on a pro bono basis.

In her ruling, Justice Hannah Ajayi, directed that the suspects be remanded at the Oke Kura correctional facility pending the commencement of the proper hearing of the case.

The matter was then adjourned till May 7, 2025.