A Nigerian Army General Court Martial sitting at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos has sentenced Private Lukman Musa to death by hanging for the murder of Abdulrahman Isa, a tricycle rider in Azare, Bauchi State. The verdict was delivered on Thursday, September 18, 2025, by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, President of the 3 Division Nigerian Army General Court Martial.

Musa was found guilty of culpable homicide and unlawful possession of ammunition. Evidence presented in court revealed that Musa conspired with an accomplice, Oba, to lure Isa into his home where he was attacked and strangled. The body was dumped in a sack between Shira and Yala villages, and Isa’s tricycle was later sold, exposing the crime.

Brigadier General Bello described Musa’s actions as “barbaric, heartless, and a gross violation of military ethics and values”. The court also sentenced Musa to two years’ imprisonment for unlawful possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and ordered his dismissal from the Nigerian Army with ignominy.

“You mercilessly metamorphosed from a defender of citizens to a killer. Your action is an embarrassment and disgrace to the Nigerian Army,” Bello declared. Major Aminu Mairuwa, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services, 3 Division, stated the ruling reinforces the Army’s zero tolerance for indiscipline and criminality.

The victim’s elder brother, Anas Isa, expressed relief, saying, “We are very happy with what the court has done. We never believed justice would be served this way, but today we are grateful”. The judgment has brought a sense of closure to Isa’s family.