PicNews
Private Lukman Musa, a Nigerian soldier, has been sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of Abdulrahman Isa, a tricycle rider in Azare, Bauchi State. The General Court Martial, presided over by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, found Musa guilty of culpable homicide and unlawful possession of ammunition. According to the evidence presented during the trial, Musa and his accomplice, Oba, lured Isa to Musa’s residence under false pretenses, claiming they needed help moving belongings. Once inside, Musa attacked Isa with a wooden object and strangled him to death.
In an attempt to cover up the crime, Musa stuffed Isa’s body into a sack and dumped it between Shira and Yala villages, later selling the victim’s tricycle. The court also found Musa in possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition without authorization. Brigadier General Bello condemned Musa’s actions as “barbaric and heartless,” emphasizing that they were a grave breach of military conduct and discipline.
“You mercilessly metamorphosed from a defender of citizens to a killer. Your action is an embarrassment and disgrace to the Nigerian Army,” Bello declared. Musa was sentenced to death by hanging for culpable homicide and two years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of ammunition. Additionally, he was dismissed from the Nigerian Army with ignominy, stripping him of his ranks and entitlements.
The court’s decision highlights the Nigerian Army’s commitment to accountability and lawful conduct. Major Aminu Mairuwa, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services, 3 Division, stated that the judgment reinforces the Army’s resolve to ensure personnel operate within the law and standard operating procedures. “This judgment signifies the Nigerian Army’s resolve to ensure that no personnel operates outside the law or laid down standard operating procedures,” Mairuwa noted.
The victim’s family expressed relief and gratitude to the court and the Nigerian Army for ensuring justice was served. Isa’s stepbrother, Jamilu Aliyu, thanked the General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Major General Folusho Oyinlola, and the Nigerian Army for delivering justice, saying the verdict brought peace to their family.
