A General Court Martial sitting at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, has sentenced Private Lukman Musa of the Nigerian Army’s 3 Division to d3ath by hanging for the m8rder of a tricycle rider in Bauchi State.
The ruling, delivered on Thursday, September 18, 2025, by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, found Musa guilty of culpable homicide and unlawful possession of ammunition, describing his actions as “barbaric, heartless, and a disgrace to the Nigerian Army.”
Lured, killed, and dumped victim
The court heard that Musa, alongside an accomplice identified only as Oba, lured the victim, Abdulrahman Isa, to his residence under the pretext of helping him move belongings. Evidence revealed that Musa struck Isa with a wooden object, strangled him to death, stuffed the body in a sack, and dumped it between Shira and Yala villages. Isa’s tricycle was later sold.
Musa was also found in possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition without authorisation.
“From defender to killer” – Judge
Delivering judgment, Gen. Bello condemned Musa’s conduct as 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,” he declared.
Musa was sentenced to death under Section 220 of the Penal Code, punishable by Section 221, and received an additional two years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition. He was also dismissed from service in disgrace.
Army vows zero tolerance for indiscipline
Speaking after the verdict, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services of the 3 Division, Major Aminu Mairuwa, said the judgment reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to discipline and accountability.
“This judgment signifies the Nigerian Army’s resolve to ensure that no personnel operates outside the law or laid-down standard operating procedures,” he stated.
The case has drawn attention as one of the most severe disciplinary rulings within the Nigerian military in recent years.
