Military court demotes Adeniyi, ex-Lafiya Dole commander, over leaked video

A military court in Abuja has convicted Olusegun Adeniyi, former commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, and demoted him by at least three years. 

Adeniyi, a major-general, made news headlines in March after a video of him complaining about lack of weapons for troops fighting Boko Haram in the north-east was leaked on social media.

He was subsequently removed as commander of Operation Lafiya Dole and transferred to the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.

He was later moved to the army headquarters, still in Abuja, and made to face a court martial.

A court martial is a legal proceeding for military officers, it is similar to a civilian court trial.

The army, however, claimed Adeniyi’s redeployment is a routine exercise intended to reinvigorate the system.

Ruling on the matter on Monday, the military tribunal found Adeniyi guilty of violating military social media guidelines and ordered that he be demoted by at least three years.

Tokunbo Obanla, Adeniyi’s military aide, who was prosecuted alongside the general, was also found guilty and sentenced to 28 days in jail with hard labour.

Obanla, whom Adeniyi said was in possession of his phone at the time of the incident, reportedly admitted to posting the video on social media in error.

Both convictions are subject to confirmation by the military board before they can take effect.

Adeniyi’s lawyers said they will appeal against the tribunal judgment before higher military authorities.