…another bags 10-year imprisonment
A General Court Martial (GCM) at the Headquarters of the 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, has sentenced Private Adamu Mohammed to death by hanging and Private Abubakar Yusuf to 10 years in prison for their involvement in murder and robbery.
The acting Deputy Director of 82 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, confirmed the sentences on Tuesday, stating that they followed thorough deliberations on the soldiers’ criminal offenses.
The GCM, composed of 11 members and inaugurated by Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye on February 18, 2025, was set up to try personnel within the Division for offenses that could not be resolved summarily.
In his ruling, the President of the GCM, Brig.-Gen. Sadisu Buhari, stated that Private Mohammed was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Miss Hauwa Ali.
He clarified that the offense was punishable under Section 106 (a) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004.
Buhari explained that the verdict, which was unanimous, was reached after a comprehensive review of the case, including Mohammed’s service record and the mitigation plea from the accused and his legal counsel.
However, the GCM emphasized that justice for the deceased required the law to be fully enforced.
“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. Buhari said.
Similarly, the General Court Martial equally sentenced another soldier, Private Abubakar Yusuf, to 10 years imprisonment for robbery at a mall within Enugu.
The President of the GCM 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 inability of the GCM to reach a unanimous decision required to impose maximum mandatory punishment prescribed under Section 107(2) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004, the GCM, relying on provisions of Section 140 (3) of the Armed Forces Act.
“The General Court Martial, hereby, sentences the accused soldier, 23NA/85/12116 Private Abubakar Yusuf, to 10 years imprisonment,” Brig.-Gen. Buhari said.
The President of the GCM emphasised that the findings and sentences pronounced for both soldiers remain subject to confirmation by the confirming authority, marking the conclusion of their trials.
Meanwhile, the Army spokesman said that the “NIgerian Army reassures the general public of its unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professional conduct in the discharge of its duties.”
According to him, the wrong actions of a few do not reflect the values of the institution, as swift and decisive measures are always taken to ensure accountability and justice.
“The Army remains dedicated to maintaining discipline within its ranks, protecting the integrity of its operations as well as fostering trust and confidence among the people it serves,” he added.