Currently, 16 soldiers and one officer are facing court martial in Plateau State.
The individuals undergoing trial have been accused of a range of offences, including armed robbery, murder, unlawful possession of arms and ammunition, and unauthorized sale of such items, all of which contravene their operational mandate within the 3rd Armoured Division.
The inaugural sitting of the court martial took place at the 3rd Armoured Division, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, of the Nigerian Army in Bassa Local Government Area on Tuesday.
Following the inauguration of the General Court Martial, Major Aminu Mairuwa, Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services for the 3 Division Nigerian Army, emphasized that the Nigerian military, as an institution, upholds discipline and remains committed to fully implementing its internal disciplinary processes.
He stated that the accused individuals were presented before the court martial to undergo the required procedures, emphasizing respect for the rule of law and adherence to the principles of natural justice, as well as compliance with existing rules and procedures.
“The essence is to make sure that military personnel always operate within the confines of our rules of engagement, code of conduct and respect to international best practices”, he stated
The President of the General Court Martial, Brigadier General Liafis Bello, who read the order of the Convening Officer and General Officer Commanding 3 Division, Maj. General Abdulsalam Abubakar, maintained that the Nigerian Army as an institution thrives on discipline, regimentation, and utmost professionalism.
He said unveiling the court martial in the Nigerian Army is a routine duty aimed at compliance with the dictates of the military justice system, pointing out that the 3 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army had keyed into the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja which is “To Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a Joint Environment”.
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In his remarks, the Judge Advocate, Major Nasir Abdullahi, stressed that the court was set up to enhance discipline and ensure that erring officers and soldiers are investigated and prosecuted within a reasonable time through the laid down rules, regulations, and procedures.
Abdullahi charged the accused and their defence counsels to avoid frivolous adjournments that may lead to unnecessary delay in dispensing justice.
The Court adjourned further sitting to 6th March 2024, for commencement of trial.
