Nigerian Soldier Sentenced to Death for Killing Girlfriend

• Apr 29, 2025

A General Court Martial in Enugu has sentenced a Nigerian soldier to death by hanging for killing his girlfriend.

Private Adamu Mohammed was found guilty of murdering Miss Hauwa Ali and was sentenced by an 11-member panel at the 82 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army. The court was set up on February 18, 2025, to handle serious offences that could not be decided through summary trials within the division.

The ruling was delivered by Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari, who presided over the proceedings. In a statement released on Monday by Lieutenant Colonel Jonah Unuakhalu, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, the court’s decision was described as firm and necessary to uphold justice.

Private Mohammed, whose service number is 21NA/80/6365, was convicted under Section 106(a) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. General Buhari said the panel carefully reviewed the evidence presented, including Mohammed’s service record and his plea for mercy, but decided that justice had to take precedence.

“In the interest of justice and societal values, the law must take its full course. He is hereby sentenced to death by hanging,” he declared.

In a separate but related case, another soldier, Private Abubakar Yusuf (service number 23NA/85/12116), was sentenced to 10 years in prison for robbery. He was found guilty of committing a robbery at a mall in Enugu and charged under Section 107(1)(b) of the Armed Forces Act.

Although the court received pleas for leniency, it could not reach a unanimous decision for the harshest punishment. Using Section 140(3) of the Act, the court instead sentenced him to a decade in prison.

General Buhari emphasized that both verdicts are still subject to confirmation by the relevant military authority.

Following the ruling, the Nigerian Army restated its commitment to upholding discipline, justice, and professionalism within its ranks.

“The Nigerian Army assures the public of its unwavering dedication to upholding the highest standards of ethics and conduct in service,” the statement read, adding that all personnel would continue to be held accountable for their actions.