By Okpere Sharon Omoye
Nigerian Soldier to Hang for Killing Girlfriend, Another Gets 10 Years for Robbery
A General Court Martial sitting at 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. In a separate judgment, the court also sentenced Private Abubakar Yusuf to 10 years in prison for robbery.
The court, which began sitting on February 18, 2025, was inaugurated by the General Officer Commanding the Division, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, to hear cases involving misconduct among personnel.
Delivering judgment on Monday, the President of the court, Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari, said Private Mohammed was found guilty of killing Hauwa Ali, in a case that shocked many within and outside the barracks.
The court said the evidence presented during the trial was overwhelming and left no doubt about his guilt.
“This is a painful case. A young woman lost her life in the most brutal manner. After reviewing the facts, the accused’s service record, and listening to the plea for mercy by the defence, the court unanimously agreed that justice must be served,” Brigadier General Buhari said.
Mohammed, who was identified as 21NA/80/6365, was convicted under Section 106(a) of the Armed Forces Act, and the court ordered that he be hanged until death.
In a different case, the same court sentenced Private Abubakar Yusuf to 10 years in prison for his role in a robbery incident at a mall in Enugu.
Yusuf, with service number 23NA/85/12116, was found guilty under Section 107(1)(b) of the Armed Forces Act.
Although the court considered pleas for leniency, it could not reach the unanimous decision required to impose the maximum sentence for robbery. Instead, it relied on Section 140(3) of the Act to hand down a 10-year sentence.
Brigadier General Buhari noted that while both sentences are subject to confirmation by higher military authorities, the court’s duty is to uphold justice and preserve the discipline expected of soldiers.
“These rulings show that the Nigerian Army does not tolerate indiscipline. Actions like these, no matter how rare, must be dealt with decisively,” he said.
He further assured the public that the Army remains committed to maintaining trust, discipline, and accountability among its ranks.
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