A Nigerian soldier, Lukman Musa, has been sentenced to death by hanging after being found guilty of murdering a tricycle rider, Mr. Abdulrahman Isa, in Azare, Bauchi State.
The judgment was delivered on September 18 by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, President of the 3 Division Nigerian Army General Court Martial. The ruling reinforces the Nigerian Army’s zero tolerance for indiscipline and criminality within its ranks.
Musa was charged with culpable homicide and unlawful possession of ammunition. According to prosecutors, he conspired with an accomplice, Mr. Oba, to lure Isa into his home under the pretense of helping him with personal belongings.
Once inside, Musa attacked Isa, rendering him unconscious before strangling him to death. To cover up the crime, the soldier and his accomplice stuffed Isa’s body into a sack and dumped it between Shira and Yala villages in Bauchi State.
Investigations later revealed that Isa’s tricycle was sold after the murder, exposing further evidence of Musa’s involvement.
Military prosecutors also discovered that Musa was unlawfully in possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
In his ruling, Brig. Gen. Bello condemned Musa’s actions, describing them as a gross violation of military ethics and values
Bello said: “For culpable homicide, which violates Section 220 of the Penal Code and is punishable under Section 221, you are sentenced to death by hanging. On the charge of unlawful possession of ammunition, contrary to Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act, you are sentenced to two years’ imprisonment”
