Army Court Martial Sentences Soldier to Death for Girlfriend’s Murder

A General Court Martial at the Headquarters of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu has sentenced Private Adamu Mohammed to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Miss Hauwa Ali.

Additionally, Private Abubakar Yusuf received a 10-year prison sentence for robbery.

The sentences were pronounced following the conclusion of their respective trials for murder and robbery.

Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, issued a statement on Tuesday confirming the court’s decisions.

The court martial, consisting of 11 members, was established on February 18, 2025, by Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, the General Officer Commanding of the 82 Division, to address cases involving misconduct among its personnel.

In delivering the verdict for Private Mohammed, Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari, the court’s president, stated that the soldier was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend.

This crime falls under Section 106(a) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Brigadier General Buhari noted that the panel reached its unanimous verdict after carefully reviewing the evidence presented, the accused’s service record, and the defense counsel’s pleas for mitigation.

However, he emphasized that justice and societal order must prevail.

“Consequently, 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,” Buhari said.

In a separate proceeding, Private Yusuf was convicted of robbery that occurred at a mall in Enugu, as per Section 107(1)(b) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004.

Although the court considered pleas for leniency, it could not reach the unanimous decision needed for a maximum sentence under Section 107(2) of the Act, leading to a 10-year prison term being imposed under Section 140(3).

“Accordingly, the accused soldier, 23NA/85/12116 Private Abubakar Yusuf, is hereby sentenced to 10 years imprisonment,” he announced.

Brigadier General Buhari stressed that these sentences are subject to confirmation by the relevant military authorities, marking the conclusion of the trials for both soldiers.

He reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to discipline and the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

“The misconduct of a few does not reflect the values of the institution. We consistently take swift and decisive actions to ensure accountability and justice,” he stated, assuring the public that the Army remains dedicated to safeguarding the integrity of its operations and fostering trust among the Nigerian populace.