- Safiu Kehinde
A Nigerian soldier, Private Lukman Musa, has been sentenced to death by a General Court Martial over the murder of a tricycle operator, Abdulrahman Isa, in Azare, Bauchi state.
Musa, who is serving under the Division Three of the Nigerian Army in Jos, Plateau State, was arraigned before the martial court at the Maxwell Khobe Cantonment on Thursday.
According to reports, the soldier was found guilty on two charges: culpable homicide and illegal possession of ammunition.
Evidence presented before the court by the military prosecutors, revealed that Musa, along with an accomplice identified as Mr. Oba, lured Isa to his residence under false pretenses.
Following his arrival, the tricycle operator was attacked by Musa who rendered him unconscious before ultimately strangling him.
The soldier and his accomplice would stack Isa’s body in a sack and disposed it between the Shira and Yala villages in Bauchi State.
However, the victim’s tricycle which was sold led to the uncovering of the crime.
Also, Musa was reportedly found with 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition without proper authorization.
In his ruling, Brig. Gen. Bello, condemned the actions as a grave breach of military conduct and discipline.
“For culpable homicide, which violates Section 220 of the Penal Code and is punishable under Section 221, you are sentenced to death by hanging.
“On the charge of unlawful possession of ammunition, contrary to Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act, you are sentenced to two years’ imprisonment,” Bello declared.
The court also ordered Musa’s dismissal from service, stripping him of his ranks and entitlements.