A Nigerian Army Court Martial has sentenced Private Lukman Musa to death by hanging for the murder of a tricycle operator, Abdulrahman Isa, in Azare, Bauchi State.
The judgment was delivered on Thursday, September 18, at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos, Plateau State, by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, president of the 3 Division General Court Martial.
Musa was convicted on two counts: culpable homicide and unlawful possession of ammunition. According to prosecutors, Musa and an accomplice, identified as Mr. Oba, lured Isa to his residence under false pretenses before attacking and strangling him.
To conceal the crime, they stuffed the victim’s body into a sack and dumped it between Shira and Yala villages in Bauchi. The stolen tricycle was later sold, leading investigators to uncover the killing.
The court also found Musa in possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition without authorization.
“For culpable homicide, contrary to Section 220 of the Penal Code, you are sentenced to death by hanging. On the charge of unlawful possession of ammunition, contrary to Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act, you are sentenced to two years’ imprisonment,” Brig. Gen. Bello ruled.
The court further ordered Musa’s dismissal from the Nigerian Army, stripping him of rank and entitlements.
Major Aminu Mairuwa, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services for 3 Division, said the verdict reinforced 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,” he said.
The trial, which began in August after Musa’s arrest, was conducted under the Armed Forces Act and Nigeria’s criminal justice system.
For the victim’s family, the ruling provided some relief. “We thank the Army and the court for ensuring justice for our brother,” said Anas Isa, elder brother of the deceased.
The Nigerian Army said the conviction was a warning to officers and men that criminal conduct would not be tolerated within its ranks.
