A General Court Martial of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Tuesday sentenced Aircraftman Benard Kalu to death by hanging for the murder of his colleague and girlfriend, Corporal Oladipupo S. A.
Kalu, 21, fatally shot Oladipupo at her residence in the Corporal and Below Quarters, Compound 9, at the NAF Base in Makurdi. The incident occurred after he accused her of being involved with another man.
According to court proceedings, Kalu broke into her home in the early hours of the day and shot her in the neck at close range. He also attempted to shoot a male companion found in the apartment, but his rifle jammed, allowing the man to overpower and disarm him.
The Judge Advocate, Flight Lieutenant M.A. Umoh, outlined an eight-count charge against Kalu, including murder, housebreaking, attempted murder, failure to perform military duty, loss of service property, disobedience of service orders, and conduct prejudicial to service discipline.
Despite pleading not guilty to all charges, Kalu was found guilty on six counts. The prosecution presented 13 witnesses, while the defence called three, including the accused.
Defence counsel Abimiku Ewuga appealed for leniency, noting Kalu’s status as a first-time offender and the sole provider for his family.
Delivering judgment, the President of the Court, Group Captain Elisha Bindul, sentenced Kalu to death by hanging, pending confirmation by the appropriate military authority.
