A Nigerian soldier, Private Lukman Musa, serving with the 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army in Jos, Plateau State, has been sentenced to death by hanging after being found guilty of murder, culpable homicide, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
The verdict was delivered by a General Court Martial sitting at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, and presided over by Brigadier General Liafis Bello on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
How the Crime Was Committed
Court proceedings revealed that Musa, with the help of an accomplice identified only as Oba, lured tricycle operator Abdurahman Isa into his residence under the guise of helping him move personal belongings.
Evidence showed that Musa struck Isa on the head with a wooden object before strangling him to death. In a bid to conceal the crime, the soldier stuffed Isa’s body into a sack and dumped it between Shira and Yala villages. The victim’s tricycle was later sold.
During the investigation, Musa was also found in possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition without lawful authority.
Court’s Ruling
In his judgment, Gen. Bello described Musa’s actions as “barbaric and heartless,” stressing that the crime was 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 said.
On the charge of culpable homicide, Musa was sentenced to death under Section 221 of the Penal Code. He was also sentenced to two years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition, contrary to Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act, and dismissed from the Army in disgrace.
Army Reacts
Speaking after the ruling, Major Aminu Mairuwa, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services, 3rd Division, said the judgment reflects 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,” Mairuwa stated.
