Army dismisses 6 soldiers, sanctions 2 others over misconduct

The 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba in Plateau State has dismissed six soldiers and sanctioned two others for committing various offences.

The soldiers were dismissed and sanctioned by the General Court Martial of the division on Thursday, May 23, 2024.

Delivering judgement, the court martial president, Brig.-Gen. Liafis Bello, said the soldiers were sanctioned having found guilty of committing offences such as theft, selling of arms, criminal conspiracy, intimidation and cheating of civilians, among others

Bello added that the court was conveyed in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the Armed Forces Act (Rules of Procedure) 1972, and other extant laws.

He explained that the court found the convicted soldiers guilty of the offences having diligently considered all the allegations brought before it against the accused.

Bello said: “Recall that on February 17, this court was conveyed by Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding this division.

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“Court martial in the Nigerian Army is a routine duty aimed at ensuring strict compliance with the dictates of the military justice system.

“Since then the court has been working and today it has delivered judgement on eight cases.

“Those jailed and dismissed personnel have committed offences considered to be inconsistent with service discipline, as well against the laws of Nigeria.”

The court president disclosed that the six dismissed personnel, largely from the ranks of corporals and sergeants, were also demoted to the rank of private soldiers.

Bello said the court was guided by the provision of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, Armed Forces Act (Rules of Procedure) 1972, and other relevant laws.

He added that the principle of natural justice, equity and fairness was also followed in the cases.

The Star