The General Court Marshal (GCM) of 7 Division, Nigerian Army sitting in Maiduguri, Borno State has sentenced a soldier serving with Operation LAFIYA DOLE to two years imprisonment for assault while another lost seniority for prejudice to military discipline.The soldier (name withheld) alleged to have committed the offence on a minor was found guilty on one count charge punishable under Armed Forces Act Cap 20, laws of the federal Republic of Nigeria as amended 2004.
Another officer of a rank of captain was demoted to the rank of second lieutenant on a one count charge of prejudice to military discpline punishable under the same act. Also sentenced is a navy rating who was charged with Disorderly Behaviour and Insurbodinate Behaviour bagged 6 months imprisonment on each charge which will run concurrently.
Delivering the verdict, the president of the court , Brigadier General OG Adeniyi say the sentence will serve as a deterrent to others .He admonished Officers and Soldiers to observe rules guilding arms profession saying that military all over the world is known for discipline and obedient to lawful orders.
The GCM sentence is subject to confirmation of the confirming authority. The court began sitting in August 2016 and has disposed of 12 cases so far.
KINGSLEY SAMUEL
Lieutenant Colonel
Deputy Director Army Public Relations 7 Division
