The death sentence was handed down to Private Musa after he
was found guilty of murder, culpable homicide and unlawful possession of
ammunition by the court, presided over by Brigadier General Liafis Bello,
President of the 3 Division Nigerian Army General Court Martial, on Thursday,
September 18, 2025.

During the trial, the court heard that Musa, in connivance
with an accomplice identified simply as Oba, had lured Isa into his residence
under the pretence of helping him move his personal belongings. Evidence
further revealed that Musa struck Isa on the head with a wooden object before
strangling him to death.

In an attempt to cover his crime, the soldier stuffed the
victim’s body into a sack and dumped it between Shira and Yala villages, while
his tricycle was later sold. The court also found Musa in possession of 34
rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition without lawful authority.

While delivering the ruling, Gen. Bello described Musa’s
actions as barbaric and heartless, stressing that his conduct was a grave
violation of military values and a betrayal of the Army’s constitutional duty
to protect citizens.

“You mercilessly metamorphosed from a defender of citizens
to a killer. Your action is an embarrassment and disgrace to the Nigerian
Army,” Bello declared.

The convict was sentenced to death on the charge of culpable
homicide, contrary to Section 220 of the Penal Code and punishable under
Section 221.

On the second count of unlawful possession of ammunition,
contrary to Section 8(1) of the Firearms Act, he was sentenced to two years’
imprisonment and dismissed from the Nigerian Army with ignominy.

Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services of the 3 Division,
Major Aminu Mairuwa, who spoke after the judgment, said the ruling demonstrates
the Army’s commitment to discipline, regimentation and the administration of
justice.

“This judgment signifies the Nigerian Army’s resolve to ensure
that no personnel operates outside the law or laid down standard operating
procedures,” Mairuwa noted.