A General Court Martial (GCM) convened at the headquarters of the Nigerian Army’s 82 Division in Enugu has sentenced two soldiers for serious criminal offences, underscoring the Army’s firm stance on discipline and accountability within its ranks. The tribunal, which was inaugurated on February 18, 2025, by the General Officer Commanding the division, Major General Oluyemi Olatoye, was constituted to address serious offences committed by personnel that could not be resolved summarily. It comprised 11 members and was presided over by Brigadier General Sadisu Buhari.

Private Adamu Mohammed, one of the accused soldiers, was convicted of the murder of his girlfriend, Miss Hauwa Ali. The GCM found him guilty of this offence, which falls under Section 106(a) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004. After a thorough review of the case details, his service record, and a plea for leniency submitted by his defense, the court decided that justice for the victim and societal standards demanded the maximum penalty. As a result, Private Mohammed was sentenced to death by hanging.

In a separate case, the GCM also found Private Abubakar Yusuf guilty of robbery committed at a mall in Enugu. This offence is covered under Section 107(1)(b) of the Armed Forces Act. Though the tribunal took into account a plea for mercy and noted that it could not unanimously agree on imposing the maximum sentence as outlined in Section 107(2), it proceeded under Section 140(3) of the same Act to sentence Yusuf to 10 years in prison.

Both sentences are pending confirmation by the relevant military authorities. In its official statement, the Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to upholding ethical standards and enforcing justice within its ranks. It stressed that while the actions of these individuals do not reflect the values of the Army as a whole, swift disciplinary action is essential to maintain institutional integrity, public trust, and the rule of law.