The streets of Ilorin, Kwara State, have become silent witnesses to a disturbing reality. The recent murder of Hafsah, a young woman whose mutilated body was found in a suspect’s residence, is not an isolated incident. It is yet another horrifying example of a growing trend where human lives are sacrificed on the altar of wealth.
Abdurrahman Mohammad Ballo, a resident of Ilorin, Kwara State, along with an accomplice, was alleged to have Hafsah. He has since been taken into custody.
The victim’s body was discovered mutilated and dismembered at the suspect’s residence. Various items, including local soap commonly referred to as ‘Ose Dudu’, herbal remedies, a local sponge, and other traditional concoctions, were also found at the scene.
Beneath this gruesome reality lies a sinister network of self-proclaimed clerics (so-called Jalabi alfas) who prepare magical potions and charms for internet fraudsters, commonly known as Yahoo Boys, in exchange for power and riches.
But how did we get here? Why has our society allowed these ritualists to thrive, and why do we celebrate wealth without questioning its origins?
The Rise of ‘Jalabi’ Clerics and Their Dark Influence
Once regarded as moral guides, some clerics in Ilorin and beyond have abandoned their spiritual responsibilities, replacing faith with fetishism. These so-called men of God have carved out a lucrative niche for themselves by exploiting the desperation of young men eager to escape poverty. They promise shortcuts to wealth, often through ritual sacrifices, turning religion into a commercial enterprise.
Alfas with nicknames like “Lord of Soap” and “Ijoba Jalabi” openly advertise their mystical ‘solutions’ for financial success. Some even boast of possessing spiritual soaps that can “destroy lives” or “clear obstacles.” It is terrifying that such individuals are not just known but are frequently invited to social events, celebrated, and even respected within their communities.
In Ilorin we have an Alfa whose nickname is “LORD OF SOAP” he’s a very young man in his late 30 or very early 40
In Ilorin we have an Alfa whose nickname is “IJOBA JALABI” this one I’m sure he’s in his early 30s.
In Ilorin, there is an Alfa called Assayuty who publicly said…
— 👳🏾♂️Mufti Of Ilorin Online 👳🏾♂️ (@Adamthallith) February 16, 2025
This problem persists because there is no significant crackdown on these figures, allowing them to continue their trade with impunity. Even when caught, the consequences are minimal, reinforcing the belief that crime, when linked to wealth, is forgivable.
The Deification of Wealth and Moral Erosion
At the heart of this crisis is a society that worships wealth at all costs. Nigeria’s social structure has increasingly equated financial success with respect, regardless of how it is attained. We are more likely to ask “How did he make his money?” in whispers than to confront those who flaunt unexplained riches.
A generation raised in economic hardship is now more susceptible than ever to quick fixes. The rise of internet fraud, money rituals, and other illicit means to acquire wealth is fueled by a culture that does not only admire but actively rewards financial success, even when it is tainted with blood. Parents, elders, and community leaders turn a blind eye, as long as the perpetrators bring wealth back home.
Our failure to challenge this obsession with materialism has made our daughters easy prey for ritualists who see human sacrifice as a mere transaction. Hafsah and the countless others whose lives were brutally ended are casualties of a system that glorifies money over morality.
The Role of Top Muslim Clerics: Speaking Truth to Power
The silence of influential Islamic scholars and community leaders on this issue is deafening. Islam, like all major religions, strongly condemns murder, deception, and wealth acquisition through unjust means. Yet, there is little outrage from those who should be at the forefront of this fight.
The Chief Imam, the Mufti, and the Council of Ulamah must take a firm stance against these rogue clerics. Public denunciations, sermons, and community outreach programs must be intensified to correct the warped perception that these rituals are legitimate paths to success.
Additionally, Muslim clerics must use their platforms to remind followers that Islam promotes hard work, integrity, and ethical livelihood. There should be no room for ambiguity: Any cleric found engaging in or endorsing ritual killings should be publicly named, shamed, and prosecuted.
Society’s Role: How We Are All Complicit
We cannot pretend to be blameless spectators in this epidemic. Every time we honor questionable wealth, we encourage the cycle. Every time we invite these self-styled alfas to our gatherings, we legitimize their practices. Every time we fail to hold our leaders accountable, we become enablers.
Parents must instill the right values in their children, teaching them that wealth without integrity is a curse, not a blessing. Schools should include ethics and morality in their curriculum, reinforcing the importance of honesty and hard work.
Communities must also be proactive. If an alfa in your neighborhood is known for selling ‘magical’ solutions, call it out. If a young man with no clear source of income suddenly acquires mansions and luxury cars, question it. More importantly, demand action from law enforcement and ensure that justice is served, not just for the victims but for the integrity of our society.
The Way Forward: A Collective Responsibility
Ritual killings will not stop until we, as a people, decide that enough is enough. Government agencies, religious institutions, and the general public must work together to:
Strengthen Law Enforcement: There must be stricter regulations against ritual killings, with severe consequences for those found guilty. The death penalty should be seriously considered for those convicted of human sacrifices.
Empower Religious Leaders: Genuine clerics should take back the narrative and actively fight against the rise of Jalabi clerics who exploit faith for financial gain.
Change the Narrative on Wealth: Society must begin to celebrate integrity and honest labor over fraudulent wealth. We must redefine what it means to be ‘successful.’
Support Victims and Their Families: Communities must rally around families who have lost loved ones to ritual killings, ensuring they receive justice and support rather than suffering in silence.
The blood of the innocent should not be the price of prosperity. The time to act is now, before another young woman’s life is cut short in the name of greed. Let us not wait until the next tragedy before we collectively rise to say: No more.
