A Nigerian Army soldier, Private Lukman Musa, has been sentenced to death by hanging after being found guilty of murdering a tricycle rider in Azere town, Bauchi State.

The ruling was delivered by a General Court Martial sitting at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, Plateau State, on Thursday, September 18, 2025. The court, presided over by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, convicted Musa of murder, culpable homicide, and unlawful possession of ammunition.

According to evidence presented during the trial, Musa, alongside an accomplice identified simply as Oba, lured the victim, Abdulrahman Isa, into his residence under the pretense of helping him move personal belongings. Once inside, Musa struck Isa on the head with a wooden object before strangling him to death.

In a bid to conceal the crime, Musa stuffed the victim’s body into a sack and dumped it between Shira and Yala villages. The victim’s tricycle was later sold. Investigations also revealed that Musa was unlawfully in possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Delivering judgment, Brig. Gen. Bello condemned Musa’s actions, describing them as barbaric, heartless, and 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 stated.

 

The court sentenced Musa to death by hanging for culpable homicide under Section 220 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 221. He was also given two years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition and dismissed from the Nigerian Army in disgrace.

Reacting to the verdict, Major Aminu Mairuwa, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services, 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,” Mairuwa noted.