The Nigerian Army, has Court Mashal 17 soldiers, including an Army officer for various offences bothering on alleged misconduct, murder and arms dealing crimes.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH), Major General AE Abubakar inaugurated the General Court Marshall on Tuesday at Rhino Officers Mess, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos, Plateau State Capital.
The Court will try officers and soldiers, indicted for their alleged involvement in various misconducts and address other offences.
The President of the General Court Martial, Brigadier General Liafis Bello, who spoke at the inauguration, emphasized the importance of discipline, regimentation, and professionalism within the Nigerian Army.
The officer highlighted that convening a Court at the appropriate time underscores the essential for ensuring compliance with the Military Justice system.
Brigadier General Bello while reading the convening order of the Court, noted that all proceedings of the court will be guided by the principles of natural justice, equity and fairness.
He urged the ministers in the temple of justice to remain committed to the goal of unhindered justice and fairness to all the personnel who are standing trials.
On his part, the lead Prosecution and Acting Deputy Director Legal Services 3 Division, Major Aminu Mansur Mairuwa, underscored the significance of the Court Marshal, which includes enforcing discipline, professionalism, and regimentation in the execution of military duties.
He noted that an officer and 16 soldiers will face trial in the General Court Marshal for offences related to murder, arms dealing and other serious charges.
According to him, “This action underscores the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards of conduct and accountability among its personnel in compliance with international best practice and rule of law”.
Also speaking, the Judge Advocate, Major Nasir Abdullahi, assured that the Nigerian Army remains resolute in its dedication to upholding the values of discipline and professionalism.
He enumerated that the General Court Marshal as convened serves as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the military authority especially 3 Division to justice and integrity within the military ranks.
In a remark, the Chairman Nigerian Bar Association, Azi Aware Esq., commended the Nigerian Army for using internal mechanisms such as the General Court Marshal to check the excesses of erring personnel which he averred will boost the confidence of the public in the ability of the military to professionally protect law-abiding citizens.
He also commended the GOC 3 Div/Commander OPSH for taking the bold step towards ensuring that unlawful conducts were sanctioned.
He further assured of the support of the association towards the timely trial of the accused persons and quick dispensation of Justice.
Highlight of the event was the inauguration and answering in of the President 3 Division General Court Marshal, Judge Advocate and other court officials.
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