Soldier sentenced to death by court martial for murder of tricycle operator in Bauchi

A General Court Martial sitting at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, has sentenced Private Lukman Musa of the 3 Division, Nigerian Army, to death by hanging for the brutal killing of a tricycle rider, Abdulrahman Isa, in Azere, Bauchi State.

 

The court, presided over by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, found Musa guilty of culpable homicide, unlawful possession of ammunition, and murder. The judgment, delivered on Thursday, September 18, 2025, followed overwhelming evidence proving his involvement in the crime.

 

According to the prosecution, Musa and an accomplice identified as Oba lured the unsuspecting victim to his residence on the pretext of assisting him in moving some personal items. It was established that Musa hit Isa on the head with a wooden object before strangling him to death. In an effort to conceal the crime, the soldier stuffed the body into a sack and abandoned it along a remote route between Shira and Yala villages. The victim’s tricycle was later sold.

 

Further findings revealed that Musa was unlawfully in possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, an offence for which he also stood trial.

 

In his ruling, Brig. Gen. Bello condemned the soldier’s actions, describing them as “barbaric, heartless, and a betrayal of the Army’s sacred duty to protect the people.” He emphasized that Musa had transformed from a protector into a murderer, thereby disgracing the Nigerian Army.

 

On the count of culpable homicide, Musa was sentenced to death under Section 220 of the Penal Code, punishable by Section 221. Additionally, he received a two-year prison term for unlawful possession of ammunition and was dismissed from service in disgrace.

 

Reacting to the judgment, Major Aminu Mairuwa, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services, 3 Division, noted that the ruling reflects the Army’s commitment to discipline, justice, and adherence to the rule of law. He stressed that no personnel would be allowed to act outside the law or undermine military standards.