A General Court Martial sitting at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos, Plateau State, has sentenced Private Lukman Musa, a soldier with the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, to death by hanging for the murder of tricycle rider Abdulrahman Isa in Azere, Bauchi State.
The court, presided over by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, delivered the verdict on Thursday, September 18, 2025, after finding Musa guilty of murder, culpable homicide, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
During the trial, it was revealed that Musa, with the help of an accomplice identified as Oba, lured Isa to his residence under the guise of assisting him with moving his belongings. He then struck Isa on the head with a wooden object and strangled him to death. Musa later stuffed the victim’s body into a sack and dumped it between Shira and Yala villages, selling off his tricycle afterward. He was also found with 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition without authorization.
Describing Musa’s actions as barbaric, Bello condemned his betrayal of military values.
“You mercilessly metamorphosed from a defender of citizens to a killer. Your action is an embarrassment and disgrace to the Nigerian Army,” Bello said.
Musa was sentenced to death for culpable homicide under Section 220 of the Penal Code, while he received two years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition and was dismissed from service with ignominy.
Major Aminu Mairuwa, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services for the 3 Division, said the judgment underscores the Army’s commitment to 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,” he said.
