A Nigerian Army General Court Martial sitting at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos, Plateau State, on Thursday, September 18, 2025, sentenced Private Lukman Musa to death by hanging after finding him guilty of the murder of a tricycle (keke) rider.
The court found Musa guilty on counts that included culpable homicide and unlawful possession of ammunition in connection with the killing of the tricycle operator, identified in reports as Abdulrahman (or Abdulrahman) Isa, in Azare, Bauchi State.
The judgment was delivered by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, president of the 3 Division Nigerian Army General Court Martial. In addition to the death sentence on the culpable homicide charge, some reports said Musa was given a further term related to the illegal possession of ammunition and dismissed from the army with ignominy.
According to court records and press accounts, the prosecution said Musa lured the tricycle rider to his residence under false pretences and, in concert with an accomplice, carried out the killing. The military tribunal’s ruling underscores the army’s stated position of strict discipline and zero tolerance for criminality among its personnel.
Family members of the victim, defence counsel and military authorities were cited in coverage of the trial; officials have not yet released further public statements about any planned appeals or the execution procedure. Media organisations covering the case urged that further details and official responses be sought from the Nigerian Army and relevant legal authorities.
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