Soldier Sentenced to Death by Hanging for Murder of Tricycle Rider in Bauchi
Soldier Sentenced to Death by Hanging for Murder of Tricycle Rider in Bauchi
A General Court Martial of the Nigerian Army has sentenced a soldier, Private Lukman Musa, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of the murder of a tricycle rider, Mr. Abdulrahman Isa, in Azare, Bauchi State.
The verdict was delivered on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos, Plateau State, by the President of the 3 Division General Court Martial, Brigadier General Liafis Bello.
According to the court, Musa was convicted on two counts culpable homicide and unlawful possession of ammunition. The ruling was described as a clear demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s zero tolerance for acts of indiscipline, criminality, and abuse of trust by its personnel.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence showing that Musa conspired with an accomplice, identified simply as Mr. Oba, to lure Isa into his residence under the pretense of helping him with some personal belongings. Once inside, Musa reportedly attacked the unsuspecting tricycle operator, leaving him unconscious, before strangling him to death.
The panel held that Musa’s actions not only violated military codes of conduct but also amounted to a grievous criminal offense against society.
The Army further emphasized that the ruling serves as a deterrent to other personnel, reiterating its commitment to maintaining discipline, professionalism, and respect for the rights of civilians.
Meanwhile, the fate of Musa’s accomplice, Mr. Oba, was not immediately clear as the court martial is a military tribunal with jurisdiction strictly over serving personnel.
