Army imprisons, dismisses soldiers in Plateau for violating service regulations
Story from Usman UMAR
The 3rd Division of the Nigerian Army in Rukuba, Plateau State, announced that the division took disciplinary actions against eight of its personnel on Thursday, with four being dismissed and imprisoned, and four others being disciplined for various offenses.
The soldiers were dismissed and disciplined by the General Court Martial of the division.
Brigadier-General Liafis Bello, the President of the court-martial, announced the verdict, stating that the soldiers were found guilty of offenses such as theft, illegal weapons sales, criminal conspiracy, intimidation, and defrauding civilians.
The court proceedings were conducted in accordance with the 1999 Constitution, the Armed Forces Act (Rules of Procedure) 1972, and other applicable laws.
Bello emphasized that the court thoroughly reviewed all the accusations against the accused soldiers before reaching a decision.
The court was established on February 17 by Major-General Abdusalam Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding the division, in line with military justice practices.
The court-martial in the Nigerian Army plays a vital role in upholding military justice and discipline.
The soldiers, who were jailed and dismissed, were found to have violated service regulations and laws of Nigeria.
Additionally, the six dismissed personnel, mainly corporals and sergeants, were demoted to the rank of private soldiers.
The court based its decision on the legal framework provided by the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, the Armed Forces Act (Rules of Procedure) 1972, and other relevant legislation.
Furthermore, the principles of natural justice, equity, and fairness were upheld throughout the proceedings.
