Faisal Salisu DambattaA Nigerian soldier, Private Lukman Musa, who is part of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army stationed in Jos, Plateau State, has received a death sentence by hanging from a General Court Martial convened at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment.
This sentence is due to his conviction for the murder of Abdulrahman Isa, a Keke (tricycle) rider, in Azere town, Bauchi State.
The court, led by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, President of the 3 Division Nigerian Army General Court Martial, delivered the death penalty on Thursday, September 18, 2025, after finding Private Musa guilty of murder, culpable homicide, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
Throughout the trial, it was revealed that Musa, in collaboration with an accomplice known only as Oba, had deceived Isa into coming to his home under the guise of assisting him with the relocation of his personal items. Further evidence indicated that Musa struck Isa on the head with a wooden object and subsequently strangled him to death.
In an effort to conceal his crime, the soldier placed the victim’s body into a sack and disposed of it between the villages of Shira and Yala, while his tricycle was sold shortly thereafter. Additionally, the court discovered that Musa was in possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition without any legal authorization.
In delivering the verdict, Gen. Bello characterized Musa’s actions as barbaric and devoid of compassion, emphasizing that his behavior constituted a serious breach of military ethics and a betrayal of the Army’s constitutional obligation to safeguard citizens.
“You ruthlessly transformed from a protector of citizens into a murderer. Your actions are a source of embarrassment and shame for the Nigerian Army,” Bello asserted.
The defendant received a death sentence for the charge of culpable homicide, in violation of Section 220 of the Penal Code, which is punishable under Section 221.
For the second charge of unlawful possession of ammunition, in contravention of Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act, he was sentenced to two years in prison and expelled from the Nigerian Army in disgrace.
Major Aminu Mairuwa, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services of the 3 Division, who addressed the media following the ruling, stated that the decision reflects the Army’s dedication to discipline, order, and the fair application of justice.
“This ruling underscores the Nigerian Army’s determination to ensure that no personnel operates outside the law or established standard operating procedures,” Mairuwa remarked.
