Major-General Emmanuel Abejirin, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2nd Division of the Nigerian Army, Ibadan, has inaugurated a general court martial to try erring personnel within the division.
Speaking at the inauguration of the court on Wednesday, Abejirin explained that establishing the court marshal became necessary to dismiss some disciplinary cases which could not be tried summarily by the provisions of military law .
He listed the cases to include stealing, forgery, defilement, rape and murder.
“Let me note, at this point, that military justice is in consonance with democratic order, hence military law and administration of military justice are not arbitrary,” Abejirin said.
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“Military justice is based on due process in conformity with extant laws, especially the constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Armed Forces Act.”
He urged members of the court to ensure that every step or action taken in the trial process is in conformity to the law.
“In view of this, I wish to note that military justice is key to achieving military efficiency and discipline,” he emphasised.
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“This court is empowered to determine the guilt or otherwise of accused persons who are to be presumed innocent until proved otherwise.”
The GOC disclosed that members of the court, led by Brigadier General Felix Agugo, were selected based on rank, seniority, general service knowledge and wealth of experience.
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