Maiduguri-As the Nigerian Army continues to kick against violation of human rights and other offences by soldiers,the General Court Martial (GCM) sitting at 7 Division, Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, Borno State has concluded the cases of 5 soldiers bordering on violation of human rights and other operational offences in Operation LAFIYA DOLE.
The President of the Court, Brigadier General Olusegun Adeniyi who delivered judgement, announced the court sentence of death for Lance Corporal Hilary Joel who was convicted for murder of a suspected Boko Haram terrorist in Damboa.
Also 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 and 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
Similarly,reduction in rank to Private in 2 count charges for Sergaent Samuel Balanga who is convicted for desertion and miscellaneous offences and Corporal Aliu Audu who was charged for assault was reduced to the rank of Private.
Meanwhile, the representative of the National Human Rights Commission present in court, Barr Jumai 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.
She expressed delight over the level of discipline displayed by the Nigerian Army and applauded the Army for properly trying erring personnel for wrong doing, adding that justice had been served.
