A magistrates’ court in Ilorin has ordered the return of Abdulrahman Bello, the prime suspect in the murder of Hafsoh Yetunde Lawal, and his co-defendants to the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) for further investigation.

The ruling was made during a hearing before Magistrate S.B. Mohammed, which lasted approximately 1 hour and 8 minutes, starting at 9:12 am on Thursday. Notably, Bello was without legal representation, while his co-defendants—Ahmed Abdulwasiu (41), Suleiman Muyideen (28), Jamiu Uthman (29), and Abdulrahmon Jamiu (31)—attended with their lawyers.

The suspects were transported to court in a Toyota Hilux bus under heavy security provided by DSS officials. The case involves the alleged gruesome murder of Lawal, and the DSS has been leading the investigation into the incident.

Daily Trust had reported how the DSS stormed the Oke-Kura federal correctional facility and whisked AbdulRahman away with prison sources linking the movement to Abuja.

Addressing the court, Chief State Counsel, Issa Zakari, said they received a security intelligence after the last adjournment that the defendants have been moved to the DSS custody for further investigation pursuant to which the court was informed.

“As we speak, the investigation is ongoing and at an advanced stage.

“We hereby wish to seek the adjournment of this case till a later date when the investigation would have been concluded,” he noted.

Counsel to the 2nd and 4th defendants, A. S. Oseni, however, raised an objection.

According to him, “During the last sitting, it was said that investigations had been concluded and sequel to that prosecution and the charge that was served on the High Court, a date has been communicated to us which is April 15, 2025. Coming to you behind the back door to seek for another order is something this court does not have the right to hear and beyond your worship.

“The high court has already seized this case and I hereby urge this court to vacate such order and return the defendants back to the prison forthwith. My Lord these are copies of the charges served on the defendants for clarification,” he added.

Counsel to the 3rd and 5th defendants supported Oseni’s submission, describing the prayer as barbaric, null and void. They urged the court to vacate it in the interest of justice and fair hearing.”

However, the chief state counsel, Zakari, countered his colleagues, saying their argument was an attempt to make a mountain out of nothing.

“We have informed your worship about the sensitivity and nature of the case which later communicated vide ex parte order that investigation still needed to continue.

“Also, the defendants are yet to be arraigned before the high court and more so, their case is yet to be mentioned there let alone taking a plea.

“The law that empowers us to mention this case before you also empowers you to sit on such an order and determine it. If the defendants or any party have any grouse over this order, they can approach the Court of Appeal to challenge such.

He urged the judge to “discountenance their position and see it an aberration and attempt to escape from justice.”

The trial magistrate, however, adjourned to April 9, 2025, for ruling on the matter.