A General Court Martial sitting at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos, Plateau State, has sentenced Private Lukman Musa of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division to death by hanging for the murder of a tricycle rider, Abdulrahman Isa, in Azere town, Bauchi State.
The ruling was delivered on Thursday, September 18, 2025, by the President of the court, Brigadier General Liafis Bello, who found Private Musa guilty of murder, culpable homicide, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
During the proceedings, the court was told that Musa, in collaboration with an accomplice identified simply as Oba, lured the victim to his residence under the guise of assisting with moving personal belongings.
Evidence presented revealed that Musa struck Isa on the head with a wooden object and subsequently strangled him.
To conceal the crime, the soldier placed the victim’s body in a sack and disposed of it between Shira and Yala villages.
The court also learned that the victim’s tricycle was later sold, and that Musa was found in possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition without legal authorization.
While delivering the verdict, Brigadier General Bello condemned Musa’s actions as a serious breach of military conduct and a betrayal of public trust.
“You mercilessly metamorphosed from a defender of citizens to a killer. Your action is an embarrassment and disgrace to the Nigerian Army,” Bello stated.
The court sentenced Musa to death for culpable homicide under Section 220 of the Penal Code, punishable by Section 221.
Additionally, he received a two-year prison term for unlawful possession of ammunition, contrary to Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act, and was dismissed from service in disgrace.
Speaking after the verdict, Major Aminu Mairuwa, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services for the 3 Division, said the outcome reflects the Army’s firm stance on discipline and 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 stated.
