October 09, (THEWILL) – At least 158 military personnel are to face a court-martial for offenses bordering on alleged professional misconduct.
The personnel comprised 28 officers and 130 soldiers.
The military court was inaugurated on Saturday at the Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri by the theatre commander of the Joint Task Force “Operation Hadin Kai”, Maj. Gen. Christopher Musa.
Members of the panel include Maj. Gen. Bainze Mohammed, Brig. Gen Dominic Udofa, Squadron Leader Audu Satomi, and Lt. Col. Rotimi Bakari.
According to the theatre commander, the 158 personnel are to be tried on matters that pertains directly to the regimentation, discipline, efficiency and morale of the military.
Musa emphasised that the court-martial was inaugurated in line with the laws guiding the command.
“As we all know, court-martial trials are regimental and judicial exercises, the end of which may review, reduce or remove the rights and privileges of any convicted service personnel.
“To maintain the armed forces in a state of readiness, the military as an institution must be ready to enforce internal discipline effectively in accordance with the extant laws.
“Court martial is not only a jury for trial but also a court to speedily dispose of cases and award punishments in the event of conviction of any personnel.
“The military has its code of service discipline to meet its peculiar disciplinary needs. In this regard, emphasis shall be laid on statutes and the traditional military regimentation, with due adherence to the fair hearing requirements as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended,” he said.
Also speaking, president of the general court martial, Maj Gen. Bainze Mohammed, said 28 of the personnel are officers while the remaining 130 are soldiers serving in various units.
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