Nigerian Army To Try 25 Soldiers, One Officer By Court-Martial

 

Twenty-five soldiers and an officer in the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army will be tried by court-martial for various offences.

Dada said that the court-martial was instituted pursuant to section 131 of the Nigerian Armed Forces Act of Nigeria, adding that the court-martial is one of the vehicles used by the military to instil discipline among its personnel.

He noted that the accused, who are Nigerian Army personnel allegedly accused of committing various offences, could not be tried summarily without a due constituted court-martial and giving them fair hearing.

The GOC said that just as in a civil court, the alleged accused persons remain innocent until proven otherwise after being tried by court-martial and given due fair hearing and ability to defend themselves.

He noted that the court martial had been empowered to try the accused persons, and if they are not found wanting would be discharged and acquitted of their alleged crimes.

Dada noted that if the accused persons are found guilty, they would be penalized, according to the law criminalising such an offence committed.

“Let me assure you that this court-martial will be guided by the principle of natural justice and fair hearing as encapsulated in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and other extant laws and procedures related to your trial.

“The court is free from any external influences and we will ensure adequate time and facilities to ensure you defend yourselves,” he said.

The GOC assured all of justice, adding that evidence and allegations laid against the accused persons would be clearly verified and authenticated to ensure that “the innocent is never victimised”.

He, however, urged the defence counsel for the accused persons to avoid unnecessary adjournment and time wasting.

The court-martial has a President, Col. Usman Ahmad, leading the other 10 members of the panel as well as one awaiting panel member.

The court-martial also has a Judge Advocate, Capt. S.A. Sadiq, to duly advise the panel as the proceedings continue.