Sent to death soldier for killing his girlfriend

A general court Martial (GCM) sitting at the 82 headquarters of the 82 Division of the Nigerian army in Enugu condemned a soldier, the private Adamu Mohammed hanged for killing his identified girlfriend as Miss Hauwa Ali, in April 2024.

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

A declaration of the deputy director of acting 82 Division, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu said that the phrases followed due consideration for murder and robbery crimes for which the soldiers proceeded.

The Martial General Court consisting of 11 members was inaugurated by the Commander of the General Officer, 82 of Division, Nigerian army, the major general Olyemi Olateye on February 18, 2025 to try incorrect staff within the division for various crimes.

The president of the GCM, the brigade general Sadisu Buhari, while issuing the judgment on the first accused, private Adamu Mohammed, declared that he had been declared guilty of having killed his girlfriend, Miss Ali, an offense punishable pursuant to section 106 (a) of the law on the armed forces, Cap A20 LFN 2004.

The judgment, which was unanimous, explained, was arrived after a careful review of the facts before the Court, career and the soldier’s service record and the compassionate request for the mitigation presented by the accused and his lawyer.

However, the Court observed that in the interest of social decor and justice for the deceased, the law had to be applied to the maximum.

“Given this, the GCM established that the accused soldier, the private 21na/80/60/6365 Adamu Mohammed, is sentenced to death by hanging for the charge of murder”, Brig.-Gen. Sadisu ruled.

As a result, the GCM has equally sentenced another private Yusuf to 10 years of imprisonment for robbery in a shopping center inside Enugu.

The Court said that the panel considered Yusuf privately guilty of robbery, punishable pursuant to section 107 (1) (b) of the law on the armed forces, Cap A20 LFN 2004.

“Although the Court carefully considered the reason for mitigation presented by the accused and by his lawyer for clemency, the law was applied to support the social decor and protect the reputation of the army.

“However, due to the inability of the GCM to achieve a unanimous decision necessary to impose the maximum compulsory punishment prescribed pursuant to section 107 (2) of the law on the armed forces, Cap A20 LFN 2004, GCM, relying on the provisions of section 140 (3) of the law on the armed forces. Prison,” said Buhari.

He underlined that the results and sentences pronounced for both soldiers remain subject to confirmation by the support authority, marking the conclusion of their evidence.

The Nigerian army has reassured the public of its unshakable commitment to support the highest standards of ethics and professional conduct in the exercise of its functions.

“While the wrong actions of some do not reflect the values ​​of the institution, rapid and decisive measures are always taken to guarantee responsibility and justice,” he said.

He added that the army remains dedicated to maintaining discipline in his ranks, protecting the integrity of his operations and promoting trust and trust between people.