A General Court Martial sitting at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, Plateau State, has sentenced a soldier of the 3 Division, Nigerian Army, Private Lukman Musa, to death by hanging for the murder of a tricycle (Keke) rider, Abdulrahman Isa, in Azare town, Bauchi State.
The court, presided over by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, found Musa guilty of culpable homicide, murder, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
According to the prosecution, Musa, alongside an accomplice identified only as Oba, lured Isa to his residence under the guise of assisting him move personal items. Evidence revealed that Musa struck the victim on the head with a wooden object before strangling him to death. He later stuffed the body in a sack and dumped it between Shira and Yala villages, while Isa’s tricycle was sold.
The court also discovered that Musa was unlawfully in possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Delivering judgment, Gen. Bello condemned Musa’s conduct, describing it as “barbaric and heartless,” stressing that the act amounted to a grave violation of military values and the Army’s constitutional mandate to protect 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 court sentenced Musa to death by hanging on the charge of culpable homicide, contrary to Section 220 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 221. He was further sentenced to two years’ imprisonment on the count of unlawful possession of ammunition and dismissed from service with ignominy.
Speaking after the verdict, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services, 3 Division, Major Aminu Mairuwa, said the judgment reflects the Army’s commitment to discipline and justice.
“This ruling signifies the Nigerian Army’s resolve to ensure that no personnel operates outside the law or laid down standard operating procedures,” Mairuwa stated.
