A General Court Martial convened at the Headquarters of the 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, has delivered a landmark verdict, sentencing Private Adamu Mohammed to death by hanging for murder and Private Abubakar Yusuf to 10 years imprisonment for robbery.
The judgments, delivered after thorough trials, underline the Army’s resolve to enforce discipline and justice within its ranks.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, disclosed that the 11-member court martial was inaugurated on February 18, 2025, by the General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye. The tribunal was set up to adjudicate cases involving personnel misconduct within the division.
Presiding over the court, Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari, pronounced Private Mohammed guilty of the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Miss Hauwa Ali—a crime punishable under Section 106(a) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
Buhari explained that the panel’s unanimous decision was reached after an exhaustive review of the case, including evidence presented, the accused’s service record, and pleas for mitigation by the defence. Nonetheless, he emphasized that justice must prevail.
“In light of the severity of the offence and in the interest of justice, the accused soldier, 21NA/80/6365 Private Adamu Mohammed, is hereby sentenced to death by hanging,” Buhari declared.
In a separate case, the court found Private Yusuf guilty of robbing a mall in Enugu, in violation of Section 107(1)(b) of the Armed Forces Act. While acknowledging pleas for leniency, Buhari noted that the court, unable to reach a unanimous decision for a maximum sentence as stipulated under Section 107(2), relied on Section 140(3) to impose a 10-year prison term instead.
“Accordingly, the accused soldier, 23NA/85/12116 Private Abubakar Yusuf, is hereby sentenced to 10 years imprisonment,” he stated.
Brigadier General Buhari further clarified that the sentences remain subject to confirmation by the appropriate military authorities, marking the official conclusion of the trials.
Reaffirming the Nigerian Army’s dedication to discipline, Buhari stated, “The misconduct of a few does not define the values of the Nigerian Army. We take swift and decisive actions to ensure accountability and justice within our ranks.”
He reassured the public that the Army remains committed to maintaining integrity, professionalism, and the trust of the Nigerian people.
