Nigerian Soldier Faces Death Penalty for Brutal Murder of Tricycle Rider

In a gripping display of military justice, the Nigerian Army’s General Court Martial, convened at Maxwell Khobe Cantonment in Jos, Plateau State, sentenced Private Lukman Musa to death by hanging on September 18, 2025, for the brutal murder of Abdulrahman Isa, a 28-year-old tricycle rider in Azare, Bauchi State. The court, presided over by Brigadier General Liafis Bello, also convicted Musa of unlawful possession of 34 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, dismissing him from service with ignominy. This landmark ruling underscores the Army’s commitment to accountability and sends a stern message: no one is above the law.

The tragedy unfolded on July 15, 2024, when Abdulrahman Isa, a hardworking father of three, was lured to his death under false pretenses. Private Musa, serving with the 133 Special Forces Battalion, collaborated with his accomplice, Mr. Uba, to deceive Isa into believing they needed his tricycle to transport belongings. Trusting the soldier’s uniform, Isa followed Musa to his barracks residence, unaware of the sinister plot awaiting him. Inside, Musa attacked Isa with a heavy wooden object, striking his head repeatedly until he collapsed. Not stopping there, Musa strangled the unconscious rider to death, a crime the court described as “premeditated and barbaric.”

In a chilling attempt to cover their tracks, Musa and Uba stuffed Isa’s body into a sack purchased specifically for the crime. They loaded it onto Isa’s own tricycle and dumped it in a remote area between Shira and Yala villages in Bauchi State. To profit from their heinous act, they sold the tricycle, a move that ultimately led to their downfall. Local buyers, suspicious of the tricycle’s origin, alerted authorities, resulting in Musa’s arrest on July 20, 2024. Investigations revealed the unauthorized ammunition in his possession, further sealing his fate.

Brigadier General Bello delivered a scathing verdict: “You turned from a protector to a predator, betraying the trust of the Nigerian Army and the people you swore to defend.” The court’s ruling, backed by forensic evidence, CCTV footage, and Uba’s testimony as a state’s witness, adhered to the Penal Code’s Section 221 for culpable homicide and the Armed Forces Act. Musa’s dismissal stripped him of all military honors, and his death sentence awaits confirmation by higher authorities.

Major Aminu Mairuwa, Acting Director of Legal Services for the 3 Division, addressed the press post-verdict, emphasizing the Army’s zero-tolerance policy. “This judgment proves that no personnel is above the law. The Nigerian Army will continue to uphold justice and protect civilians,” he stated. The trial, authorized by Major General Folunsho Oyinlola, GOC 3 Division and Commander of Operation Enduring Peace, spanned months, featuring meticulous evidence like autopsy reports confirming strangulation and witness accounts of Musa’s suspicious behavior.

Abdulrahman Isa’s family, devastated yet relieved, expressed gratitude for the verdict. Anas Isa, the victim’s brother, tearfully told reporters, “Abdulrahman was our backbone. We never thought justice would come, but the Army has shown fairness.” Jamilu Aliyu, Isa’s stepbrother, echoed this, thanking the military for their thorough investigation. Isa, known for his jovial nature and dedication to his family, left behind a wife and three children who relied on his tricycle earnings. His death has left an indelible mark on Azare’s tight-knit community.

This case resonates deeply in a nation where civilian-military relations have often been strained. Reports from human rights groups, including Amnesty International, cite over 1,200 extrajudicial killings by security forces between 2018 and 2023, fueling public distrust. The 2020 #EndSARS protests, where soldiers were accused of targeting protesters, further highlighted these tensions. Musa’s crime, though an isolated act, risks reinforcing negative perceptions, making the Army’s swift action all the more significant.

The court martial’s transparency—open to media and observers sets a precedent for accountability. Legal expert Professor Chidi Odinkalu called it “a step toward rebuilding trust.” The Nigerian Army has intensified internal oversight, with over a dozen court martials in 2024 addressing offenses from theft to human rights violations. Proposals for reforms, like mandatory body cameras and independent oversight, are gaining traction to prevent future abuses.

The verdict, while a victory for justice, cannot erase the pain. Musa’s death sentence, pending confirmation, looms as a grim reminder of consequences. The Army’s decisive action signals a shift from impunity, but systemic challenges remain. Public calls for reforms persist, with advocates urging sustained efforts to align military conduct with constitutional mandates.

As Nigeria reflects on this case, Abdulrahman Isa’s memory endures. His tricycle no longer zips through Azare’s streets, but his family’s gratitude and the Army’s resolve offer hope. This ruling is more than a sentence; it’s a declaration that betrayal of trust, especially in uniform, will face the ultimate reckoning. For Isa, justice has been served, but the nation must ensure such tragedies become relics of the past.