A Nigerian Army soldier, Lance Corporal Adamu Gideon Mohammed, has been sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of his girlfriend, Charity Thomas.
The verdict was delivered by a court martial held at the 241 Recce Battalion in Nguru, Yobe State, following a detailed trial into the circumstances surrounding the killing.
The incident occurred on March 11, 2023, at the military accommodation in Nguru town, where the soldier was accused of stabbing the deceased multiple times with a knife during a dispute. Witnesses testified that the attack followed an argument between the two, after which the victim was left critically injured and later died from the wounds sustained.
During the trial, evidence presented showed that the attack was premeditated and brutal, with the court martial panel concluding that the accused acted with the intent to kill. The prosecution established beyond reasonable doubt that the soldier’s actions directly led to the death of the young woman.
Delivering the judgment, the President of the court martial, Lieutenant Colonel Bakare Rauf, said the panel found the accused guilty of murder and accordingly sentenced him to death by hanging. He emphasized that the military is committed to upholding discipline, justice, and the rule of law, regardless of rank or status.
The case has stirred public concern, particularly over issues of domestic violence and the responsibilities of military personnel to uphold both professional conduct and civilian laws. The Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment to accountability and transparency in dealing with internal cases involving its members.
