The Nigerian Army Special Court-Martial in Maiduguri has sentenced four soldiers to life imprisonment and long jail terms for arms and ammunition racketeering, theft, and aiding the enemy.
The verdict was delivered on 18 September 2025 at the Headquarters Theatre Command Officers’ Mess by the President of the Court-Martial, Brigadier General Mohammed Abdullahi. The trial was convened by the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander, Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu.
Confirming the report, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations 7 Division Nigerian Army Lieut. Col. Haruna Mohammed Sani said those convicted include Sergeant Raphael Ameh, Sergeant Ejiga Musa, and Lance Corporal Patrick Ocheje, who were handed life sentences. Corporal Omitoye Rufus received a 15-year prison term. They were found guilty of offences ranging from theft and unlawful dealing in ammunition to aiding terrorist groups, all punishable under the Armed Forces Act and other relevant laws.
Evidence before the court revealed that Sgt Ameh, an armourer with 7 Division Garrison, conspired with late LCpl Ogbogo Isaac and some personnel of the Police Mobile Force to smuggle arms concealed in bags of beans to Enugu and Ebonyi States. Bank records showed he received proceeds of the illegal trade through over 100 transactions between July 2022 and June 2024.
Similarly, Sgt Musa, an armourer with 195 Battalion, collaborated with Ocheje and a police officer to sell AK-47 rifles and large quantities of ammunition, netting over ₦500,000. He was arrested while attempting to sell ammunition to another police officer.
Cpl Rufus was convicted for selling 40 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, while LCpl Ocheje was found guilty of diverting ammunition from his post at Forward Operating Base Molai for use by militias and terrorist groups. He was also convicted of stealing an AK-47 rifle from a fellow soldier.
The court held that their actions endangered troops, compromised operations, and directly aided the enemy.
Brigadier General Abdullahi described the convicts’ conduct as a betrayal of military discipline, trust, and honour. He stressed the Army’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, warning that selling arms to adversaries under any guise would not be condoned.
The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, professionalism, and strict enforcement of discipline to safeguard national security.
