Court Martial: Army slams 2 years Jail Terms on Soldier for Assault; others lost seniority, various jail terms.

The General Court Marshal (GCM) of 7 Division, Nigerian Army sitting in Maiduguri, Borno State has sentenced a soldier serving with Operation Lafiya Dole to two years imprisonment for assault while another lost seniority for acts prejudice to military discipline.

The soldier (name withheld) was alleged to have committed the offence on a minor was found guilty on one count charge punishable under Armed Forces Act Cap 20, laws of the federal Republic of Nigeria as amended 2004.

A statement by Lt. Col Kingsley Samuel, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations said, “Another officer of a rank of Captain was demoted to the rank of second lieutenant on a one count charge of prejudice to military discipline punishable under the same act.

“Also sentenced is a Navy Rating whom was charged with Disorderly Behaviour and insubordinate Behaviour bagged 6 months imprisonment on each charge which will run concurrently.

Delivering the verdict, the president of the Court, Brigadier General OG Adeniyi said the sentence will serve as a deterrent to others.

He admonished Officers and Soldiers to observe rules guiding arms profession saying that military all over the world is known for discipline and obedient to lawful orders.

The GCM sentence is subject to confirmation of the confirming authority. The court began sitting in August 2016 and has disposed of 12 cases so far.

Meanwhile, Troops of 103 Battalion, 7 Division, Nigerian Army of Operation Lafiya Dole along with some Civilian JTF on Friday conducted clearance operation at Gombole, Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

A statement from Army headquarters said “During the operation, the troops neutralized a number of Boko Haram terrorists hiding in the area.

“The troops also discovered and destroyed an Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) factory located at the village.

“The team further recovered 3 motorcycles, 4 primed Suicide Vests and 4 stolen military Desert Camouflage.

“They rescued 4 females and 6 children from the terrorists.

“Unfortunately, a soldier sustained injury and he was evacuated by Nigerian Air Force.

 

“The soldier is in stable condition.”
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