The Court Martial of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, has sentenced a soldier, Private Lukman Musa to death by hanging over the murder of one Mr Abdulrahman Isa, a tricycle rider in Azare, Bauchi State.
Brig.-Gen. Laifis Bello, the President of the court martial delivered the judgement on Thursday in Jos.
Bello said that the court found Musa guilty of culpable homicide and unlawful possession of ammunition.
According to the president, Musa, in connivance with an accomplice, identified as Mr. Oba, lured the deceased into his residence under the guise of helping him move his personal belongings.
The president further said that the court had also found Musa in possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition without lawful authority.
“Evidence presented during the trial revealed that Musa hit Isa on the head with a wooden object before strangulating him to death.
“The victim’s body was later put in a sack and dumped between Shira and Yala villages, while they sold his tricycle.
“For culpable homicide, contrary to Section 220 of the Penal Code and punishable under Section 221, the accused is hereby sentenced to death by hanging.
“On the second count of unlawful possession of ammunition, which is contrary to Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act, the accused is hereby sentenced to two years’ imprisonment,”Bello declared.
The president also said that the accused is dismissed from the Nigerian Army with ignominy.
Bello described Musa’s actions as “barbaric and heartless,” stressing that the conduct was a grave violation of military values and a betrayal of the 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,” he said.
Speaking after the judgment, Maj. Aminu Mairuwa, Acting Deputy Director, Legal Services of the division, said that the ruling demonstrates army’s commitment to discipline, regimentation and administration of justice.
“This judgment signifies the Nigerian army’s resolve to ensure that no personnel operates outside the law or laid down standard operating procedures,” he said.