NIGERIA: SOLDIER SENTENCED TO DEATH OVER MURDER

September 21, 2025:

A General Court Martial of the Nigerian Army sitting at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, Plateau State, has sentenced one Private Lukman Musa to death by hanging.
Musa was sentenced to death on September 18, 2025 after he was found guilty of a two-count charge over the gruesome murder of a tricycle rider identified as Abdulrahman Isa, in Azare, Bauchi State.
Daily Trust reports that Private Musa’s trial began in early August 2025 after his arrest following a joint investigation by the military police and local authorities.
The President of the 3 Division Nigerian Army General Court Martial, Liafis Bello, a Brigadier-General, said the soldier was found guilty of culpable homicide and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The court affirmed that evidence presented during the trial showed that Musa conspired with an accomplice, identified as Mr. Oba, to lure Isa into his home under the pretense of helping him move personal belongings.
It further explained that Musa struck Isa on the head with a wooden object, rendering him unconscious, before strangling him to death.
“In a bid to conceal the crime, Musa and his accomplice stuffed the victim’s body into a sack and dumped it between Shira and Yala villages in Bauchi State.
“Isa’s tricycle was later sold, further exposing the premeditated nature of the act,” military prosecutors had explained during the trial.
They also revealed that during the investigation, Musa was found in possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition without lawful authority.
Delivering his judgement, Brig.-Gen. Bello described Musa’s actions as “barbaric, heartless, and a gross violation of military ethics and values.”
“You mercilessly metamorphosed from a defender of citizens to a killer. Your action is an embarrassment and disgrace to the Nigerian Army,” the court declared.
The judge said for culpable homicide, his action violates Section 220 of the Penal Code and is punishable under Section 221, hence, Musa was sentenced to death by hanging.
On the second charge of unlawful possession of ammunition, he said his action was contrary to Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act, and as such, he received two years’ imprisonment.
Additionally, Musa was dismissed from the Nigerian Army with ignominy, stripping him of all ranks and privileges.
Speaking after the judgment, Major Aminu Mairuwa, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services, 3 Division, said the ruling demonstrates the Army’s unwavering commitment to discipline, accountability, and the rule of law.
“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 case was convened under the authority of Major-General Oyinlola, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace.