Army Condemns Soldier to Death by Hanging for Killing Tricycle Rider
A Nigerian soldier serving with the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Private Lukman Musa, has been sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of a tricycle (Keke) rider, Abdulrahman Isa, in Azare town, Bauchi State.
The sentence was delivered by a General Court Martial sitting at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, Plateau State, on Thursday, September 18, 2025. The court, presided over by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, found Musa guilty of murder, culpable homicide, and unlawful possession of ammunition.
According to evidence presented during the trial, Musa conspired with an accomplice, identified as Oba, to lure Isa into his residence under the pretext of assisting him in moving his personal belongings. Once inside, Musa struck Isa on the head with a wooden object and strangled him to death.
Read Also:
The court further heard that the soldier concealed the victim’s body in a sack and dumped it between Shira and Yala villages, after which Isa’s tricycle was sold. In addition, Musa was found in possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition without lawful authority.
In his ruling, Gen. Bello condemned Musa’s actions as “barbaric and heartless,” stressing that they represented a gross violation of military values and 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,” Bello declared.
On the charge of culpable homicide, contrary to Section 220 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 221, Musa was sentenced to death by hanging. For unlawful possession of ammunition, contrary to Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act, he received a two-year prison term and was dismissed from the Nigerian Army with ignominy.
Commenting after the judgment, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services of the 3 Division, Major Aminu Mairuwa, said the ruling reflects the Army’s unwavering commitment to discipline and justice.
“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.
By PRNigeria
