Private Adamu Mohammed was given a hanging death sentence for murder by a General Court Martial at the Nigerian Army’s Headquarters, 82 Division, Enugu, while Private Abubakar Yusuf received a 10-year prison sentence for robbery.
Following the conclusion of their individual trials for robbery and murder, the sentences were imposed.
The 11-member court martial was established on February 18, 2025, by Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, to decide cases involving negligent personnel within the Division, according to a statement released Tuesday by Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division.
Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari, the court’s president, delivered the verdict against Private Mohammed, declaring that the soldier had been found guilty of killing his girlfriend, Miss Hauwa Ali, a crime punishable by Section 106(a) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
According to Brigadier General Buhari, the panel reached its unanimous conclusion following a careful examination of the available evidence, the accused’s service history, and a mitigation request by the defense attorney.
But he emphasized that the law must be applied completely for the sake of justice and social order.
According to reports, Buhari stated, “In light of this, the GCM has decided that the accused soldier, 21NA/80/6365 Private Adamu Mohammed, is hereby sentenced to death by hanging for the charge of murder.”
The court found Private Yusuf guilty of robbery at an Enugu mall in a different case.
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.
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