By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
A General Court Martial (GCM) sitting at the 82 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army in Enugu has sentenced Private Adamu Mohammed to death by hanging for the killing of his girlfriend, Miss Hauwa Ali.
The court, comprising 11 members, was inaugurated on February 18, 2025, by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 82 Division, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, to adjudicate offences not triable summarily within the division.
In a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the division, the President of the GCM, Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari, delivered the rulings during the courtroom session.
Private Mohammed, identified by service number 21NA/80/6365, was convicted under Section 106(a) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
“After a careful review of the evidence presented, including the soldier’s service record and plea for leniency, the panel unanimously found him guilty,” General Buhari announced. “In the interest of justice and societal values, the law must take its full course. He is hereby sentenced to death by hanging.”
Similarly, another soldier, Private Abubakar Yusuf, was sentenced to 10 years imprisonment for robbery.
Private Yusuf (23NA/85/12116) was found guilty of robbery committed at a mall in Enugu. He was charged under Section 107(1)(b) of the Armed Forces Act.
Although the court considered pleas for leniency in Yusuf’s case, it was unable to reach a unanimous decision required for the maximum sentence. Instead, relying on Section 140(3) of the Act, the court sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment.
“The accused soldier, Private Abubakar Yusuf, is hereby sentenced to 10 years imprisonment,” General Buhari declared.
He added that the verdicts remain subject to confirmation by the appropriate military authority, marking the end of the court proceedings.
Reacting to the outcome, the Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to professionalism, discipline, and justice within its ranks.
“The Nigerian Army assures the public of its unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of ethics and conduct in service,” the statement read. “While the actions of a few do not reflect the values of the Army, swift and decisive action will always be taken to ensure accountability.”
