A General Court Martial (GCM) convened at the Headquarters, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, has sentenced Private Adamu Mohammed to death by hanging for murder, and Private Abubakar Yusuf to 10 years imprisonment for robbery. The sentences were delivered following the conclusion of their trials for serious breaches of military law.
According to a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 82 Division, the GCM was composed of 11 members and inaugurated by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, on 18 February 2025, to adjudicate cases involving erring personnel.
In delivering judgment, the President of the GCM, Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari, stated that Private Adamu Mohammed was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Miss Hauwa Ali — an offence punishable under Section 106(a) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004. Despite reviewing the facts, considering Mohammed’s service record and the pleas for leniency, the GCM unanimously decided that justice and societal order necessitated the maximum penalty.
“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,” Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari announced.
In a related case, Private Abubakar Yusuf was convicted of robbery committed at a mall in Enugu. He was found guilty under Section 107(1)(b) of the Armed Forces Act. While the court considered his plea for mitigation, the absence of unanimity among GCM members on the imposition of the maximum mandatory punishment led to the application of Section 140(3) of the Act, resulting in a 10-year imprisonment sentence.
“Due to the inability of the GCM to reach a unanimous decision required to impose the maximum mandatory punishment, the accused soldier, 23NA/85/12116 Private Abubakar Yusuf, is hereby sentenced to 10 years imprisonment,” Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari declared.
The President of the GCM emphasized that both sentences are subject to confirmation by the appropriate confirming authority, as prescribed by military law.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of discipline, ethics, and professionalism. It stressed that while the misconduct of a few does not represent the values of the institution, swift and decisive action is always taken to uphold justice and reinforce public confidence.
The Army reiterated its dedication to enforcing discipline within its ranks, preserving operational integrity, and strengthening the trust of the people it serves.
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