Army Sentences Five Soldiers For Various Offences
The General Court Martial (GCM) sitting at 7 Division, Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, Borno State has concluded the cases of five soldiers bordering on violation of human rights and other operational offences in Operation LAFIYA DOLE.
Delivering judgement, the President of the Court , Brigadier General Olusegun Adeniyi announced the court sentence of reduction in rank to Private in 2 count charges for Sergeant Samuel Balanga who is convicted for desertion and miscellaneous offences.
Similarly, the court sentenced Private Chima Samuel who was convicted for aiding and abetting murder of a minor Yakubu Isah in Maiduguri to 15 years imprisonment.
But Lance Corporal Hilary Joel was that lucky as he was convicted for murder of a suspected Boko Haram terrorist in Damboa and sentenced to death while Corporal Aliu Audu, who was charged for assault was demoted to the rank of Private.
Trooper Sunday Ogwuche who was convicted for stealing and unlawful possession of 641 rounds of 7.62mm Special was sentenced to 2 years and 5 years imprisonment.
The representative of the National Human Rights Commission present in court, Barr Jumai Usman Mshelia, who is the Commission Acting Zonal Coordinator in Borno State commended the Nigerian Army for the transparency in the trial of the accused soldiers.
Usman expressed delight that the Nigerian Army has shown that it is a disciplined organisation as airing personnel are tried for wrong doing, adding that justice has been served.