Military court sentences soldier to death by hanging for killing girlfriend in Enugu

A general court-martial (GCM) in Enugu state has sentenced Adamu Mohammed, a soldier, to death by hanging for killing Hauwa Ali, his girlfriend.

A statement on Tuesday by Jonah Unuakhalu, acting deputy director of 82 division, said the court also sentenced Abubakar Yusuf to 10 years imprisonment for robbing a mall in Enugu.

Delivering the judgment, Sadisu Buhari, president of the 11-member GCM sitting at the 82 division of the Nigerian Army, said Mohammed was found guilty of murder under section 106 (a) of the Armed Forces Act of 2004.

Buhari noted that that the judgement was handed down after a “careful” review of the soldier’s record, his compassionate plea for mitigation and in the interest of justice for the deceased.

“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,” Buhari said.

He said the panel also found Yusuf guilty of robbery, punishable under Section 107(1)(b) of the Armed Forces Act of 2004.

The GCM president added that the court considered the plea presented by the accused and his counsel for leniency, and applied the judgement to uphold societal decorum and protect the reputation of the army.

“However, due to the inability of the GCM to reach a unanimous decision required to impose the maximum mandatory punishment prescribed under Section 107(2) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004, the GCM, relying on the provisions of Section 140 (3) of the Armed Forces Act, hereby sentences the accused soldier, 23NA/85/12116 Private Abubakar Yusuf, to 10 years imprisonment,” he added.

Buhari reassured the public of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professionalism.

He noted that the findings and sentences pronounced for both soldiers are subject to confirmation by the “appropriate authority”.