Nigerian Soldier Sentenced to Death for Murder of Tricycle Rider in Bauchi

In a decisive judgment delivered on Thursday, September 18, 2025, Private Lukman Musa, a serving soldier of the Nigerian Army’s 3rd Division, was sentenced to death by hanging by a General Court Martial at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos. The sentence followed his conviction for the brutal murder of Mr. Abdulrahman Isa, a tricycle rider in Azere town, Bauchi State.

The court, presided over by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, found Musa guilty not only of murder but also of culpable homicide and unlawful possession of ammunition. Evidence presented revealed that Musa, with the assistance of an accomplice called Oba, lured the victim under the guise of helping him move personal belongings. Musa then struck Mr. Isa on the head with a wooden object before strangling him to death.

In a bid to conceal the crime, Musa placed the victim’s body in a sack and abandoned it between Shira and Yala villages. The victim’s tricycle was subsequently sold. Additionally, Musa was found in possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition without lawful authorization.

During sentencing, Brigadier General Bello condemned Musa’s actions as barbaric and a serious betrayal of the Nigerian 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 stated.

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Musa was sentenced to death under Section 220 of the Penal Code for culpable homicide, with an additional two-year imprisonment and dismissal from the army for the unlawful possession of ammunition. Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services of the 3 Division, Major Aminu Mairuwa, emphasized that the judgment underscores the Army’s commitment to discipline, justice, and adherence to the rule of law.

“This verdict sends a clear message that no personnel within the Nigerian Army will be allowed to operate outside legal and ethical boundaries,” he remarked.