Nigerian Army court sentences Private Lukman Musa to death for murdering a tricycle operator in Bauchi.
The soldier also gets jail term and dismissal for illegal possession of ammunition.
A General Court Martial sitting at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos, Plateau State, has sentenced Private Lukman Musa of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division to death by hanging for the murder of a tricycle operator, Abdulrahman Isa, in Azare town, Bauchi State.
The court, led by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, delivered its verdict on Thursday, September 18, 2025. Musa was convicted of culpable homicide, murder, and illegal possession of ammunition.
During the trial, prosecutors said Musa and an accomplice identified as Oba lured Isa to Musa’s home under the pretext of assisting him move personal belongings. Evidence presented to the panel showed Musa struck Isa with a wooden object and strangled him, then placed the body in a sack and dumped it between Shira and Yala villages. Isa’s tricycle was later sold.
The court also found Musa guilty of possessing 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition without authorization.
In his ruling, Gen. Bello condemned Musa’s actions as a grave betrayal of military values and a shameful deviation from his duty to protect citizens. He described the crime as “barbaric” and “heartless,” noting it had damaged public trust in the Army.
On the charge of culpable homicide under Section 220 of the Penal Code, Musa received a death sentence, while on the count of unlawful possession of ammunition under Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act, he was handed two years’ imprisonment and dismissed from service.
Reacting to the judgment, Major Aminu Mairuwa, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services for the 3 Division, said the ruling underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to discipline and the rule of law. He emphasized that no soldier is above the law or the military’s standard operating procedures.
