A General Court Martial (GCM) convened at the Headquarters of the 82 Division, Nigerian Army in Enugu has handed down a death sentence by hanging to Private Adamu Mohammed, while Private Abubakar Yusuf has been sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, acting Deputy Director of 82 Division Army Public Relations, issued a statement in Enugu on Tuesday, revealing that the sentences were delivered following a thorough examination of the charges of murder and robbery against the soldiers.
It is important to note that the GCM, comprising 11 members, was inaugurated by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 82 Division, Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye, on February 18, 2025, to address serious offences committed by personnel within the Division.
During the proceedings, Brig.-Gen. Sadisu Buhari, President of the GCM, announced the verdict for Private Adamu Mohammed, stating he was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Miss Hauwa Ali.
Buhari explained that this offence is punishable under Section 106 (a) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004. The judgment was unanimous, reached after a careful review of the facts, the soldier’s career and service record, and the compassionate plea for mitigation put forth by the accused and his counsel.
“Given this, the GCM has determined that the accused soldier, 21NA/80/6365 Private Adamu Mohammed, is hereby sentenced to death by hanging for the charge of murder,” Brig.-Gen. Buhari stated.
In a related case, Private Abubakar Yusuf received a 10-year sentence for robbery committed at a mall in Enugu. The GCM found him guilty under Section 107(1)(b) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004.
“Although the court attentively considered the plea in mitigation presented by the accused and his counsel for leniency, the law was applied to uphold societal decorum and protect the reputation of the army,” Brig.-Gen. Buhari noted.
Due to the GCM’s inability to reach a unanimous decision necessary for imposing the maximum punishment under Section 107(2) of the Armed Forces Act, the court relied on provisions of Section 140 (3) and sentenced 23NA/85/12116 Private Abubakar Yusuf to 10 years imprisonment.
The President of the GCM emphasised that the findings and sentences for both soldiers are subject to confirmation by the confirming authority, thus concluding their trials.
In response to the sentences, the Army spokesperson reassured the public of the Nigerian Army’s steadfast commitment to maintaining the highest standards of ethics and professional conduct.
“The wrong actions of a few do not reflect the values of the institution, as swift and decisive measures are always taken to ensure accountability and justice. The Army remains dedicated to maintaining discipline within its ranks, protecting the integrity of its operations, as well as fostering trust and confidence among the people it serves,” he added.
