A GENERAL Court Martial of the Nigerian Army sitting at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, Plateau State, has sentenced Private Lukman Musa to death by hanging for the gruesome murder of a tricycle rider, Abdulrahman Isa, in Azare, Bauchi State.
News Point Nigeria reports that delivering judgement on Thursday, the President of the Court Martial, Brigadier-General Liafis Bello, found Musa guilty of a two-count charge bordering on culpable homicide and unlawful possession of ammunition, describing his actions as “barbaric and a disgrace to the military institution he swore to serve.”
Private Musa’s trial, which commenced in August 2025, drew nationwide attention because of the sheer brutality of the crime and its potential to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army.
According to prosecutors, Musa conspired with an accomplice, identified as Mr. Oba, to lure Isa into his home under the pretense of helping him move personal belongings.
Once inside, Musa struck Isa on the head with a wooden object, rendering him unconscious, and then strangled him to death.
In an attempt to conceal the crime, Musa and his accomplice stuffed the victim’s body into a sack and dumped it along a deserted road between Shira and Yala villages in Bauchi State. Isa’s tricycle was later sold, which prosecutors argued demonstrated the premeditated nature of the murder.
Military police investigators also found Musa in unlawful possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, for which he was separately charged.
Brig.-Gen. Bello ruled that Musa’s action violated Section 220 of the Penal Code, punishable under Section 221, which prescribes death by hanging for culpable homicide.
On the second charge, Musa was sentenced to two years imprisonment for contravening Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act.
The court also ordered that Musa be dismissed from the Nigerian Army with ignominy, stripping him of all ranks, entitlements, and privileges.
“You mercilessly metamorphosed from a defender of citizens to a killer. Your action is an embarrassment and disgrace to the Nigerian Army,” Bello declared while handing down the sentence.
Speaking after the ruling, Major Aminu Mairuwa, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services, 3 Division, emphasized that the judgement underscores the Army’s commitment to discipline, accountability, and adherence to the rule of law.
“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.
The trial was convened under the authority of Major-General Oyinlola, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace.
For the family of the slain tricycle rider, the verdict provided a sense of justice and closure.
Anas Isa, the victim’s elder brother who spoke to News Point Nigeria, expressed relief and gratitude to the court and the military authorities.
“We are very happy with what the court has done. We never believed justice would be served this way, but today we are grateful,” he said emotionally.