Nigerian soldier to die by h@nging for killing ‘keke rider’

A General Court Martial sitting at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos, Plateau State, has sentenced a Nigerian soldier, Private Lukman Musa of the 3 Division, to death by hanging for the killing of a tricycle rider, Abdulrahman Isa, in Azere town, Bauchi State.

The panel, chaired by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, found Musa guilty of culpable homicide, murder, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The verdict was delivered on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

During proceedings, the court was told that Musa, in collaboration with an accomplice identified as Oba, lured Isa to his home under the guise of assisting him with moving his belongings. Evidence revealed that Musa hit Isa with a wooden object and strangled him to death.

In a bid to conceal the crime, the soldier stuffed Isa’s remains in a sack and abandoned it between Shira and Yala villages, while the victim’s tricycle was later sold. The court also confirmed that Musa was unlawfully in possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

Delivering judgment, Gen. Bello condemned Musa’s conduct as “barbaric and heartless,” saying it was a betrayal of the Army’s 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, the court sentenced Musa to death under Section 221 of the Penal Code. For the offence of unlawful possession of ammunition, contrary to Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act, he received two years’ imprisonment and dismissal from the Army with disgrace.

Commenting after the ruling, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services of the 3 Division, Major Aminu Mairuwa, said the decision reflects the Army’s commitment to upholding 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 noted.