By Gift Samuel
Following the alleged shooting and killing of an Aircraftwoman Oladipupo Sholape on 12 March 2017 at the NAF Base, Makurdi, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has commenced the General Court Martial (GCM) trial of Aircraftman Kalu Bernard.
The Director of Public Relations and Informations, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya who made the disclosure in a statement, noted that the court martial, which was inaugurated, on Monday consists of the President and six (6) other members in addition to a Judge Advocate and two (2) waiting members.
He added that the inauguration of the court martial, which is part of the formal law chain in the Military, is coming up after a series of procedures as enshrined in the Armed Forces Act 105 of 1993 as amended.
While stressing that the NAF is apparently poised to ensure that justice is served to all concerned parties in the matter,he stated that those present at the inauguration were also, the convening officer, prosecuting officers,two (2)defence counsels representing the accused, witnesses and some members of the Press.
According to him; “The President of the GCM, Group Captain Elisha Philip Bindul, while inaugurating the military court at 101 Air Defence Group Makurdi, gave a comprehensive breakdown of the trial procedures as well as the rules and regulations to be observed during the trial.
“The highlight of the trial was the reading of the charges levelled against the accused, Aircraftman Kalu Bernard and the plea by the Defence Counsel for time to study the charges and other documents” he said.
The GCM was subsequently adjourned to June 2,2017 for further hearing on the case.
