Former Speaker Calls for Full Enforcement of 2018 Landlord Accountability Law
Ilorin, Nigeria – Former Speaker of the Kwara State House of Assembly, Prof. Ali Ahmad, has expressed deep sorrow over the gruesome murder of Lawal Hafsoh Yetunde, a final-year student of the Kwara State College of Education. In a statement, he described the incident as not just a crime against an individual but a damning reflection of society’s failure to protect the innocent from predators hiding behind religion, privilege, and false piety.
Prof. Ahmad extended his condolences to Hafsoh’s family, emphasizing that no parent should have to endure such a tragedy. He called for swift and uncompromising justice while urging law enforcement to thoroughly investigate the case and determine whether the suspect had accomplices or previous victims.
The former Speaker also raised concerns about the suspect, questioning whether families and communities turn a blind eye to criminal behavior due to misplaced pride, status, or negligence.
Prof. Ahmad reminded the public that in 2018, under his leadership, the 8th Kwara State House of Assembly passed a law holding landlords accountable for criminal activities conducted on their properties. The law was designed to encourage vigilance among property owners and residents to prevent criminals from operating in secrecy.
“This law was meant to ensure that landlords and communities take responsibility for monitoring their environments,” he stated. We must now ask:
Did the suspect’s family or neighbors notice strange activities and ignore them?
Could this strategy have been prevented if the law had been properly enforced?
He urged the relevant authorities to strictly implement the law to deter criminals and ensure that no one harbors offenders, whether knowingly or unknowingly. He warned that ignoring suspicious behavior amounts to complicity in crime.
Prof. Ahmad also highlighted the increasing dangers posed by social media, where criminals lure victims with false promises. He stressed the need for digital safety education for young people and called on parents to be more involved in their children’s online activities.
Furthermore, he advocated for stronger community vigilance and better law enforcement collaboration to prevent future tragedies.
“This case is a wake-up call. We must take proactive steps to protect our youth and communities from such dangers,” he said.
Commending the Kwara State Police Command for their swift action in tracking and apprehending the suspect, Prof. Ahmad called for additional measures to ensure justice and long-term safety, including:
1. Full prosecution of the suspect and investigation into any possible accomplices.
2. A review of the suspect’s past activities to uncover potential previous crimes.
3. Strict enforcement of the 2018 Landlord Accountability Law to prevent similar incidents.
4. A public safety awareness campaign on online dangers and personal security.
In conclusion, Prof. Ahmad stressed that Hafsoh’s death must not be in vain. He called on all stakeholders—lawmakers, law enforcement, religious leaders, and community members—to take decisive action against ritual killings, gender-based violence, and the abuse of religious influence.
“This is more than just Hafsoh’s story –it is a defining moment for Kwara society. We must rise against evil and ensure that just is served,” he concluded.
Signed:
Sa’ad Ayinde,
Media Assistant,
Prof. Ali Ahmad,
Ex-Speaker, Kwara State House of Assembly