A General Court Martial sitting at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, Plateau State, has sentenced a soldier of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division, Private Lukman Musa, to death by hanging.
He was found guilty of murdering a tricycle rider, Abdulrahman Isa, in Azere town, Bauchi State.
The judgment was delivered on Thursday, September 18, 2025, by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, who presided as President of the 3 Division Court Martial.
The court convicted Musa on charges of murder, culpable homicide, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
During the trial, the court heard that Musa, acting with an accomplice identified simply as Oba, lured Isa to his residence under the pretense of helping him move his belongings.
Evidence showed that Musa struck Isa on the head with a wooden object before strangling him to death.
To conceal the crime, the soldier stuffed Isa’s body into a sack and dumped it between Shira and Yala villages. The victim’s tricycle was later sold.
Investigators also discovered that Musa was in possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition without lawful authority.
In his ruling, Brigadier General Bello condemned Musa’s actions, describing them as barbaric and shameful.
He stressed that the soldier betrayed both his oath of service and the Nigerian Army’s constitutional duty to protect citizens.
“You mercilessly metamorphosed from a defender of citizens to a killer,” Bello declared. “Your action is an embarrassment and disgrace to the Nigerian Army.”
The court sentenced Musa to death for culpable homicide, contrary to Section 220 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 221.
On the second charge of unlawful possession of ammunition, he received two years’ imprisonment. He was also dismissed from the Nigerian Army in disgrace.
Speaking after the ruling, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services of the 3 Division, Major Aminu Mairuwa, said the judgment underscores the Army’s commitment to justice and discipline.
“This judgment signifies the Nigerian Army’s resolve to ensure that no personnel operates outside the law or laid down standard operating procedures,” Mairuwa stated.
The verdict brings closure to a case that shocked the Azere community and highlights the Army’s determination to enforce accountability within its ranks.
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