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A General Court Martial (GCM) sitting at the Headquarters of the 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, has sentenced a soldier, Private Adamu Mohammed, to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend.
The tragic incident occurred on Thursday, April 11, 2024, within a barracks in Enugu. The victim’s body, clad in a hijab, was discovered the following day—Friday, April 12—by the daughter of an army lieutenant near the division’s officers’ quarters.
In a related judgment, the court also sentenced another soldier, Private Abubakar Yusuf, to 10 years in prison for robbery.
According to a statement released on Monday, April 28, 2025, by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, the sentences followed a thorough trial process for the charges of murder and robbery.
“The GCM, composed of 11 members, was inaugurated by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, on February 18, 2025, to try erring personnel for serious offences not subject to summary disposal,” the statement said.
Delivering the judgment, the President of the GCM, Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari, stated that Private Adamu Mohammed was found guilty of the murder of Miss Hauwa Ali, an offence punishable under Section 106(a) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004.
He noted that the decision was unanimous, following a detailed review of the evidence presented, the accused’s service record, and the plea for leniency by the defendant and his counsel. However, in the interest of justice and societal order, the court determined that the law must be applied in full.
“Accordingly, the GCM has sentenced the accused soldier, 21NA/80/6365 Private Adamu Mohammed, to death by hanging for the charge of murder,” Brigadier General Sadisu declared.
In a separate case, the GCM also found Private Abubakar Yusuf guilty of robbery committed at a mall in Enugu, an offence under Section 107(1)(b) of the Armed Forces Act.
Although the court considered the plea for leniency, it could not reach the unanimity required to impose the maximum sentence under Section 107(2). Consequently, in line with Section 140(3) of the same Act, the GCM sentenced Private Yusuf (23NA/85/12116) to 10 years in prison.
Brigadier General Buhari stressed that both verdicts remain subject to confirmation by the appropriate confirming authority, marking the formal conclusion of the trials.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism. While acknowledging that the actions of a few do not represent the values of the institution, it emphasized that swift and decisive action is always taken to ensure justice and accountability.
The Army remains committed to maintaining discipline within its ranks, preserving the integrity of its operations, and fostering public trust and confidence
