A General Court Martial, convened at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos, Plateau State, has condemned Private Lukman Musa, a soldier from the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, to d3ath by hanging for the m8rder of Abdulrahman Isa, a tricycle (Keke) operator, in Azere town, Bauchi State.
The court, led by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, President of the 3 Division Nigerian Army General Court Martial, on Thursday, 18th September, 2025, convicted Private Musa of m8rder, culpable homicide, and illegal possession of ammunition.
During the proceedings, the court learned that Musa, in collaboration with an accomplice known only as Oba, deceived Isa into coming to his residence under the pretense of assisting with the relocation of personal items.
Further testimony revealed that Musa struck Isa on the head with a wooden object and then strangled him to d3ath.
To conceal his crime, the soldier placed the victim’s body in a sack and disposed of it between Shira and Yala villages, while the tricycle was subsequently sold.
The court also established that Musa unlawfully possessed 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
In delivering the verdict, Gen. Bello condemned Musa’s actions as barbaric and heartless, emphasizing that his behavior was a severe breach of military principles and a betrayal of the Army’s constitutional obligation to safeguard citizens.
“You mercilessly metamorphosed from a defender of citizens to a killer. Your action is an embarrassment and disgrace to the Nigerian Army,” Bello declared.
The convict was sentenced to d3ath for culpable homicide, in violation of Section 220 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 221, and for the second charge of unlawful possession of ammunition, contrary to Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act, he received a two-year prison sentence and was dishonorably discharged from the Nigerian Army.
Major Aminu Mairuwa, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services for the 3 Division, speaking after the judgment, stated that the ruling reflects the Army’s dedication to maintaining discipline, regimentation, and upholding justice.
“This judgment signifies the Nigerian Army’s resolve to ensure that no personnel operates outside the law or laid down standard operating procedures,” Mairuwa noted.
A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.
Nnamdi Okoli
