Army sentences Borno-based soldier to death for murder

The general court martial (GCM) sitting at 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, Borno state sentenced one Hilary Joel, a lance coporal, to death over the murder of a suspected Boko Haram insurgent.

Joel was accused of committing the crime in the Damboa area of the state.

Olusegun Adeniyi, a brigadier general and president of the court, gave the verdict on Friday.

The court also concluded the cases of five soldiers accused of violation of human rights and other offences.

The army also concluded the cases of five soldiers bordering on violation of human rights and other operational offences in Operation Lafiya Dole.

Adeniyi announced the court sentence of reduction in rank to private in two count charges for Sergeant Samuel Balanga who is convicted for desertion and miscellaneous offences.

Similarly, the court sentenced Chima Samuel who was convicted for aiding and abetting murder of a minor Yakubu Isah in Maiduguri to 15 years imprisonment.

Also Aliu Audu, a corporal, who was  charged for assault was reduced to the rank of private. Sunday Ogwuche, a trooper, who was convicted for stealing and unlawful possession of 641 rounds of 7.62mm  special was sentenced to two years and five years imprisonment.

The representative of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) present in court, Jumai Mshelia, who is the commission acting zonal coordinator in Borno state, commended the Nigerian Army for the transparency in the trial of the a accused soldiers.

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