Court Acquits Nigerian Army Sergeant, Akawu Bala Accused Of Murder After Nearly A Decade

In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has acquitted Sergeant Akawu Bala of murder charges after nearly a decade-long legal battle. Bala had been imprisoned in Kaduna since 2012, following accusations of fatally shooting Isa Mohammed with an AK-47 rifle on December 9, 2012, leading to Mohammed’s death the following day at Saint Gerald’s Catholic Hospital in Kaduna.

Initially sentenced to death by hanging under Section 106 of the Armed Forces Act 2014, Bala’s conviction was overturned by the Kaduna Court of Appeal on February 17, 2017. The appellate court found that the charge sheet lacked the signature of a General Officer Commanding (GOC), thus rendering the trial and conviction invalid.

Despite the appellate court’s decision to nullify the death penalty, Bala remained incarcerated, prompting his appeal to the Supreme Court on March 16, 2017. Represented by lawyer Reuben Atabo, Bala argued for his immediate release under Section 193 of the Armed Forces Act 2014, which bars retrials following a voided trial.

The Nigerian Army, represented by Isaac Udoka, sought a retrial but was opposed by the Supreme Court. In a unanimous judgment delivered by Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, the court upheld Bala’s discharge, affirming that he could not be retried for the same offences under the law. Consequently, the Supreme Court ordered Bala’s immediate release from Kaduna prison.

Throughout the legal proceedings, Bala maintained his innocence, claiming he acted in self-defence during a period of heightened Boko Haram attacks. He asserted that he had fired his weapon in the dark after warning Mohammed and another individual to stop advancing towards him, fearing for his safety.

The Supreme Court’s decision marks the culmination of a protracted legal ordeal for Sergeant Akawu Bala, underscoring significant legal principles governing military trials and the rights of accused persons in Nigeria.
  • Related Posts

    GARRISON COMMANDER, 2 DIVISION, NIGERIA ARMY PAYS FAMILIARIZATION VISIT TO OYO NSCDC

    The new Garrison Commander of the 2 Division, Nigeria Army, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, Brigadier General AS Bugaje, on Thursday, 31st July 2025, paid a courtesy visit to the State…

    NSCDC Trains 107 Private Security Personnel in Abia, Urges Vigilance and Professional Conduct

    The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abia State Command, has trained 107 private security operatives as part of efforts to boost the capacity and professionalism of private guard…

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    You Missed

    GARRISON COMMANDER, 2 DIVISION, NIGERIA ARMY PAYS FAMILIARIZATION VISIT TO OYO NSCDC

    GARRISON COMMANDER, 2 DIVISION, NIGERIA ARMY PAYS FAMILIARIZATION VISIT TO OYO NSCDC

    NSCDC Trains 107 Private Security Personnel in Abia, Urges Vigilance and Professional Conduct

    NSCDC Trains 107 Private Security Personnel in Abia, Urges Vigilance and Professional Conduct

    NSCDC Officer Killed in Mob Attack at Shuwarin Market, Jigawa State

    NSCDC Officer Killed in Mob Attack at Shuwarin Market, Jigawa State

    Multi-Job Hustles Expose Workers to Higher Cybersecurity Risks

    Multi-Job Hustles Expose Workers to Higher Cybersecurity Risks