Though Kalu pleaded not guilty to all charges, the prosecution presented 13 witnesses, while the defence called three, including the accused.
AGeneral Court Martial of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Tuesday sentenced Aircraftman Bernard Kalu to death by hanging for the murder of his colleague and romantic partner, Corporal Oladipupo S. A.
The incident occurred at the Corporal and Below Quarters, Compound 9, Air Force Base, Makurdi, Benue State, where Kalu, 21, reportedly broke into Corporal Oladipupo’s residence in the early hours of a Sunday morning.
Acting on suspicion of infidelity, he fatally shot her in the neck at close range and attempted to kill a man he found in the apartment. His weapon malfunctioned, allowing the other man to overpower and disarm him.
The Judge Advocate, Flight Lieutenant M.A. Umoh, presented an eight-count charge against Kalu, including murder, attempted murder, housebreaking, disobedience of orders, loss of service property, failure to perform military duty, and conduct prejudicial to service discipline.
Though Kalu pleaded not guilty to all charges, the prosecution presented 13 witnesses, while the defence called three, including the accused.
The defence argued that the prosecution had not proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt and appealed for leniency, citing Kalu’s status as a first-time offender and the sole provider for his family.
Delivering the verdict, President of the Court, Group Captain Elisha Bindul, found Kalu guilty on six of the eight charges and sentenced him to death by hanging, pending confirmation by the appropriate military authorities.
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