A General Court Martial sitting at the 82 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Enugu has sentenced Private Adamu Mohammed to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Miss Hauwa Ali.
In a separate judgment, Private Abubakar Yusuf was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for robbery.
The convictions followed the conclusion of trials for both offences. The court martial, which comprised 11 members, was inaugurated on February 18, 2025, by the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, to try erring personnel within the Division.
In a statement on Tuesday, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, confirmed the rulings.
Presiding over the case, the President of the Court, Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari, said the court found Private Mohammed guilty of murder under Section 106(a) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Buhari explained that the decision was reached unanimously after the panel reviewed the evidence, the defendant’s service record, and the plea for mitigation by the defence.
“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,” he said.
In a different case, Private Yusuf was convicted of robbery committed at a mall in Enugu, under Section 107(1)(b) of the same Act.
Although the defence pleaded for leniency, Buhari noted that the court could not reach the unanimous decision needed for a maximum sentence. Instead, the panel relied on Section 140(3) of the Act to issue a custodial sentence.
“Accordingly, the accused soldier, 23NA/85/12116 Private Abubakar Yusuf, is hereby sentenced to 10 years imprisonment,” Buhari announced.
He added that both sentences remain subject to confirmation by the appropriate military authorities.
Reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s commitment to discipline, Buhari stated, “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 assured the public that the Army remains committed to ethical conduct, accountability, and building public trust.
