Murdered Yobe Cleric: Dismissed soldiers given fair trial, Nigerian Army says
The Nigerian Army says the two soldiers dismissed were tried in the Headquarters 241 Recce Battalion, Nguru, in connection with the murder of an Islamic cleric, Sheik Goni Gashua Aisami, in Yobe.
Army spokesman Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Sunday, identified the two soldiers as Lance Cpl. John Gabriel and Lance Cpl. Adamu Gideon.
Mr Nwachukwu said the soldiers were dismissed after facing trial on Saturday, having been indicted in a report of a board of inquiry set up to investigate the unfortunate incident.
He said the soldiers were charged and summarily tried for failure to perform military duties and conduct prejudice to service discipline.
The offences, according to him, are punishable under Section 62 (a) of Armed Forces Act CAP A20 and Section 103(1) of Armed Forces Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.
The army spokesman added that the two soldiers were found guilty and awarded a rank reduction from lance corporal to private and dismissed regiments.
“The two dismissed soldiers will be officially handed over to the Nigeria Police, Yobe command in Damaturu for civil prosecution in the court of law. Recall that the NA pledged to institute a Board of Inquiry to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and speedily bring the suspects to justice if indicted,” the army statement explained.
It added, “Once more, the NA wishes to commiserate with the family of the victim and the good people of Yobe. May the soul of the deceased rest in perfect peace.”
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Police arraign 37-year-old man over illegal possession of pistol
Mr Ibrahim alleged that the defendant unlawfully possessed the pistol, which he could not give a satisfactory account of.
World
EU sanctions Israeli settlers over violence in West Bank
Those subject to sanctions would no longer be allowed to enter the EU or do business with EU citizens.
Health
Governor Otu provides N100 million to improve nutrition in Cross River
Mr Otu said the move would increase food production, availability, accessibility, and affordability in Cross River.
Faith
Police arraign two teenagers for stealing phone from mosque
The prosecutor said the offence contravened sections 287, 411, and 308 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
World
G7 warns Israel, Iran against escalation, reaffirms support for Ukraine
The G7 also maintained steadfast support for Ukraine over two years after Russia’s invasion.
States
UNICEF tasks Kano, Jigawa, Katsina on improved primary healthcare
He stressed the need for the governments of the three states to ensure an integrated package of primary health services for families in one functional health facility.