Army court sentences soldier to death by hanging for murder of tricycle rider
A General Court Martial sitting at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, Plateau State, has sentenced Private Lukman Musa of the Nigerian Army to death by hanging for the murder of a tricycle rider, Mr. Abdulrahman Isa, in Azare, Bauchi State.
The verdict, delivered on Thursday, September 18, 2025, by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, President of the 3 Division Court Martial, also handed Musa two years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition.
He was further dismissed from service and stripped of all military ranks and privileges.
Musa was convicted on two counts: culpable homicide, contrary to Section 220 of the Penal Code, and unlawful possession of ammunition, in violation of the Firearms Act.
According to the court proceedings, Musa conspired with an accomplice, identified as Mr. Oba, to lure Isa to his home under the pretence of seeking assistance with personal belongings.
Evidence showed that Musa assaulted the victim until he was unconscious before strangling him to death.
The duo concealed Isa’s remains in a sack and abandoned the body along the Shira–Yala axis of Bauchi State.
They later sold his tricycle, which helped expose the crime. Military investigators also discovered Musa in possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition without lawful authority.
Brig. Gen. Bello described Musa’s conduct as a grave breach of military ethics and national law.
“For culpable homicide, you are hereby sentenced to death by hanging. For unlawful possession of ammunition, you are sentenced to two years’ imprisonment,” he declared.
Speaking after the ruling, Major Aminu Mairuwa, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services, 3 Division, said the judgment reaffirms the Army’s commitment to discipline and the rule of law.
“This verdict demonstrates that no personnel is above the law or permitted to act outside laid-down procedures,” Mairuwa said.
The trial, which began in August 2025, was convened under the authority of Major General Folunsho Oyinlola, General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace.
Court officials said due process was observed throughout the proceedings in line with the Armed Forces Act and Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
Reacting to the outcome, the victim’s elder brother, Anas Isa, thanked the court and the Nigerian Army for delivering justice, noting that the judgment offered the family some measure of closure.
The Army maintained that the conviction and sentencing of Private Musa send a strong message on its zero tolerance for indiscipline, criminality, and human rights violations among its personnel.
