Army Court Sentences Soldier To death For killing Tricycle Rider
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that a Nigerian Army General Court Martial sitting at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, 3 Division, Rukuba, Plateau State, has sentenced Private Lukman Musa to death by hanging for the murder of a commercial tricycle operator, Abdulrahman Isah, in Bauchi State.
The court, presided over by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, found Musa guilty on two counts: culpable homicide and unlawful possession of ammunition, following a full trial conducted under Law 47 of the Armed Forces Rules of Procedure, 1972.
According to the prosecution, Musa conspired with an accomplice, identified as Mr. Uba, to lure the victim to his residence at the 133 Special Forces Battalion in Azare, under the pretext of seeking help to move personal items. Once inside, Musa killed the victim by striking him with a wooden object.
The body was concealed in a sack purchased by the accused, transported in the victim’s tricycle, and dumped in a nearby village. The tricycle was subsequently sold.
Delivering judgment, Brig. Gen. Bello described the act as “heinous, deliberate, and premeditated,” noting that it contravenes the Nigerian Army’s core values of discipline, integrity, and protection of civilians.
For culpable homicide, Musa was sentenced to death by hanging. He also received a two-year prison term for unlawful possession of ammunition and was dismissed from the Nigerian Army with ignominy, pending final confirmation by the appropriate military authority.
On the ammunition charge, the court found that Musa failed to account for four missing rounds from his service rifle. A search of his apartment later uncovered additional rounds concealed in a bag.
Speaking to journalists, Acting Director of Legal Services for 3 Division, Major Aminu Mairuwa, said the ruling sends a clear message about the Army’s position on internal discipline and justice.
“No personnel is above the law. The Nigerian Army remains committed to justice, order, and professionalism,” he said.
Reacting to the judgment, the stepbrother of the deceased thanked the General Officer Commanding, 3 Division, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, and the Nigerian Army for ensuring justice.
“This verdict has brought peace to our family,” he said.
