Military Court Sentences Soldier To Death For Killing Girlfriend

A General Court Martial (GCM) sitting at the Headquarters of 82 Division of Nigerian Army in Enugu has sentenced a soldier, Private Adamu Mohammed to death by hanging for killing his girlfriend identified as Miss Hauwa Ali, in April 2024.

The military court also sentenced another soldier, Private Abubakar Yusuf to 10 years imprisonment for robbery.

A statement by the Acting Deputy Director 82 Division, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu said the sentences followed due consideration for the offences of murder and robbery for which the soldiers stood trial.

The General Court Martial which composed of 11 members was inaugurated by the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye on February 18, 2025 to try erring personnel within the Division for various offences.

The President of the GCM, Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari, while delivering the judgment on the first accused, Private Adamu Mohammed, declared that he was found guilty of killing his girlfriend, Miss Ali, an offence punishable under Section 106 (a) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004.

The judgement, which was unanimous, he explained, was arrived at after careful review of the facts before the court, the career and service record of the soldier, and the compassionate plea for mitigation presented by the accused and his counsel.

However, the Court noted that in the interest of societal decorum and justice for the deceased, the law had to be applied to its fullest.

“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,” Brig.-Gen. Sadisu ruled.

Relatedly, the GCM equally sentenced another Private Yusuf to 10 years imprisonment for robbery at a mall within Enugu.

The Court stated that the panel found Private Yusuf guilty of robbery, punishable under Section 107(1)(b) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004.

“Although the court attentively considered the plea in mitigation presented by the accused and his counsel for leniency, the law was applied to uphold societal decorum and protect the reputation of the army.

“However, due to the inability of the GCM to reach a unanimous decision required to impose the maximum mandatory punishment prescribed under Section 107(2) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004, the GCM, relying on the provisions of Section 140 (3) of the Armed Forces Act, hereby sentences the accused soldier, 23NA/85/12116 Private Abubakar Yusuf to 10 years imprisonment,” Buhari said.

He emphasised that the findings and sentences pronounced for both soldiers remain subject to confirmation by the endorsing authority, marking the conclusion of their trials.

The Nigerian Army reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professional conduct in the discharge of its duties.

“While 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 said.

He added that the Army remains dedicated to maintaining discipline within its ranks, protecting the integrity of its operations and fostering trust and confidence among the people.