A Nigerian Army General Court Martial sitting at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, has sentenced Private Lukman Musa to death by hanging for the murder of a tricycle rider, Mr. Abdulrahman Isa, in Azare town, Bauchi State.

The verdict was delivered on Thursday, September 18, 2025, by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, President of the 3 Division General Court Martial, after the court found Musa guilty of culpable homicide and unlawful possession of ammunition.

According to evidence presented during trial, Musa, with the help of an accomplice identified as Mr. Oba, lured Isa into his residence under the pretext of assisting him to move personal belongings. He then struck the victim on the head with a wooden object before strangling him to death. The body was stuffed into a sack and dumped between Shira and Yala villages, while his tricycle was later sold.

The court also established that Musa was unlawfully in possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

For culpable homicide, contrary to Section 220 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 221, Musa was sentenced to death by hanging. On the charge of unlawful possession of ammunition, contrary to Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act, he received two years’ imprisonment. He was also dismissed from the Nigerian Army with ignominy.

Brig Gen Bello condemned Musa’s conduct as “barbaric and heartless,” describing it as 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,” he declared.

Speaking after the judgment, Major Aminu Mairuwa, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services, 3 Division, said the ruling reflects the Army’s commitment to discipline and accountability.

“This judgment signifies the Nigerian Army’s resolve to ensure that no personnel operates outside the law or laid down standard operating procedures,” Mairuwa said.

Relatives of the deceased welcomed the ruling. Anas Isa, elder brother of the victim, described the outcome as justice finally served.

“We are very happy with what the court has done. We never believed justice would be served this way, but today we are grateful,” he said.

The trial was convened under the authority of Major General Folunsho Oyinlola, General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, as part of efforts to uphold discipline and restore public trust in the Nigerian Army.