Soldier sentenced to death for killing girlfriend

In a landmark ruling, the General Court Martial sitting at the Headquarters of the 82 Division, Nigerian Army in Enugu, has handed down severe penalties to two soldiers found guilty of criminal offenses.

Private Adamu Mohammed was sentenced to death by hanging after the court found him guilty of murder. In a separate case, Private Abubakar Yusuf received a 10-year prison sentence for robbery.

The court’s verdicts came after a thorough trial process, affirming the military’s commitment to upholding discipline and justice within its ranks.

A statement on Tuesday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu said the court martial composed of 11 members, was inaugurated on February 18, 2025, by the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, to adjudicate cases involving erring personnel within the Division.

Delivering judgment on Private Mohammed, the President of the court, Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari, said the soldier was found guilty of the murder of his girlfriend, Miss Hauwa Ali, an offence punishable under Section 106(a) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Brigadier General Buhari explained that the panel arrived at its unanimous decision after a thorough review of the evidence, the service record of the accused, and a plea for mitigation by the defence counsel.

However, he stressed that in the interest of justice and societal order, the law must take its full course.

“Given this, the GCM has determined that the accused soldier, 21NA/80/6365 Private Adamu Mohammed, is hereby sentenced to death by hanging for the charge of murder,” Buhari was quoted as saying.

In a seperate case, the court found Private Yusuf guilty of robbery at a mall within Enugu.

Yusuf was convicted under Section 107(1)(b) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004.

Although pleas for leniency were considered, Buhari noted that, due to the inability of the court to reach the unanimous decision required for a maximum sentence under Section 107(2) of the Act, the GCM instead relied on Section 140(3) to impose a 10-year prison term.

“Accordingly, the accused soldier, 23NA/85/12116 Private Abubakar Yusuf, is hereby sentenced to 10 years imprisonment,” he said.

Buhari emphasized that the sentences are subject to confirmation by the appropriate military authorities, which marks the conclusion of the soldiers’ trials.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining discipline and upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

“The wrong actions of a few do not reflect the values of the institution. Swift and decisive measures are always taken to ensure accountability and justice,” he stated.

He assured the public that the Army remains steadfast in its mission to protect the integrity of its operations and foster trust and confidence among the Nigerian people.