A General Court Martial (GCM) convened at the Headquarters of the 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, has sentenced two soldiers to severe penalties following their conviction for murder and robbery. Private Adamu Mohammed was sentenced to death by hanging, while Private Abubakar Yusuf received a 10-year prison term.

The court, comprising 11 members, was inaugurated on February 18, 2025, by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, to adjudicate cases involving serious misconduct by personnel within the Division.

Delivering judgment on the first case, the President of the GCM, Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari, stated that Private Adamu Mohammed was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Miss Hauwa Ali. The act, he noted, is punishable under Section 106 (a) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

Brigadier General Buhari emphasized that the unanimous verdict was reached after a thorough examination of the facts, the soldier’s service history, and the mitigation plea presented by the defence. However, in the interest of justice and societal values, the court resolved to apply the full weight of the law.

"Accordingly, 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," the GCM President announced.

In a related case, the court sentenced Private Abubakar Yusuf to 10 years imprisonment for committing robbery at a mall in Enugu. Brigadier General Buhari explained that Yusuf was found guilty under Section 107(1)(b) of the Armed Forces Act.

Although the court considered the plea for leniency, the panel upheld the need to enforce discipline and protect the Army’s reputation. He further noted that while the offence under Section 107(2) carries a mandatory maximum punishment, the panel could not reach a unanimous decision to impose it. As such, the court relied on Section 140(3) of the Act to deliver the sentence.

"Based on the provisions of the Armed Forces Act, the accused soldier, 23NA/85/12116 Private Abubakar Yusuf, is hereby sentenced to 10 years imprisonment," Brigadier General Buhari declared.

He added that the verdicts remain subject to confirmation by the appropriate confirming authority, which will finalize the legal process.

The Nigerian Army, in a statement, reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, and ethical conduct. The service noted that while the actions of a few do not define the institution, prompt and decisive actions will always be taken to ensure accountability.

The Army reiterated its dedication to preserving integrity within its ranks and fostering public trust in the institution.