Martial court sentences soldier to death by hanging for murder of tricycle rider

Friday, September 19, 2025 - 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 d3ath by hanging for the m8rder of a tricycle (Keke) rider, Abdulrahman Isa, in Azere town, Bauchi State.

The court, presided over by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, President of the 3 Division Nigerian Army General Court Martial on Thursday, 18th September, 2025, found Private Musa guilty of m8rder, culpable homicide and unlawful possession of ammunition by the

During the case, the court heard that Musa, in connivance with an accomplice identified simply as Oba, had lured Isa into his residence under the guise of helping him move his personal belongings.

In further evidence presented during the trial, the court heard that Musa struck Isa on the head with a wooden object before strangling him to d3ath.

To cover his crimes, the soldier stuffed the victim’s body into a sack and dumped it between Shira and Yala villages, while his tricycle was later sold.

The court also found Musa in possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition without lawful authority.

While delivering ruling on the case, Gen. Bello described Musa’s actions as not only barbaric and heartless, stressing that his conduct was a grave violation of military values and a betrayal of the Army’s constitutional duty 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 convict was sentenced to d3ath on the charge of culpable homicide, contrary to Section 220 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 221, while on the second count of unlawful possession of ammunition, contrary to Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and was dismissed from the Nigerian Army with ignominy

Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services of the 3 Division, Major Aminu Mairuwa, who spoke after the judgment, said the ruling demonstrates the Army’s commitment to discipline, regimentation, and the administration of 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 noted.