Army Sentences 5 Soldiers For Various Offences, One Slammed With Death Sentence

The General Court Martial (GCM) sitting at 7 Division, Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, Borno State has concluded the cases of 5 soldiers bordering on violation of human rights and other operational offences in Operation LAFIYA DOLE.


Delivering judgement, the President of the Court, Brigadier General Olusegun Adeniyi announced
the court sentence of reduction in rank to Private in 2 count charges for Sergeant Samuel Balanga who is convicted for desertion and miscellaneous offences.


Similarly, the court sentenced Private Chima Samuel who was convicted of aiding and abetting murder of a minor Yakubu Isah in Maiduguri to 15 years imprisonment. Lance Corporal Hilary Joel who was convicted of the murder of a suspected Boko Haram terrorist in Damboa was sentenced to death.

Also, Corporal Aliu Audu who was charged for assault was reduced to the rank of Private. Trooper Sunday Ogwuche who was convicted for stealing and unlawful possession of 641 rounds of 7.62mm Special was sentenced to 2 years and 5 years imprisonment.

The representative of the National Human Rights Commission present in court, Barr Jumai Usman Mshelia who is the Commission Acting Zonal Coordinator in Borno State commended the Nigerian Army for the transparency in the trial of the accused soldiers.

She expressed delight that the Nigerian Army has shown that it is a disciplined organisation and airing personnel are tried for wrongdoing. She was happy that justice has been served