A General Court Martial of the Nigerian Army, sitting at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, Plateau State, on Thursday sentenced a soldier, Private Lukman Musa, to death by hanging for killing a tricycle rider in Bauchi State.
Musa, serving with the 3 Division, was arraigned on a three-count charge of murder, culpable homicide and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The court, presided over by Brig.-Gen. Liafis Bello, found him guilty of luring the deceased, Abdulrahman Isa, to his residence in Azere town, Bauchi, under the pretence of helping him move personal belongings.
According to evidence before the court, Musa struck Isa on the head with a wooden object, strangled him to death and dumped his body in a sack between Shira and Yala villages.
The court also established that Musa sold the victim’s tricycle and was in possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition without lawful authority.
Delivering judgment, Bello described Musa’s conduct as “barbaric and heartless,” noting that it violated military values and betrayed 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,” he said.
The court sentenced Musa to death for culpable homicide, contrary to Section 220 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 221.
On the charge of unlawful possession of ammunition, contrary to Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act, he was sentenced to two years’ imprisonment and dismissed from the Army with ignominy.
Maj. Aminu Mairuwa, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services, 3 Division, told journalists that the ruling reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to discipline, regimentation 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.
