MURIC: Soldiers involved in murder of Islamic cleric are a disgrace to army

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the killing of Shaykh Goni Aisami, an Islamic cleric, by a “soldier” in Yobe state. 

On Sunday, TheCable reported how Aisami(pictured) was killed after offering a ride to a soldier said to be attached to the 241 Recce Model Battalion.

In a statement on Monday, Ishaq Akintola, director of MURIC, described the killing as “brutal and callous”, adding that the two soldiers involved are a “disgrace” to the Nigerian army.

He called for a thorough investigation of the matter and demanded that justice must be served. 

“While we commend the Yobe Police Command for arresting the suspects, we call for swift justice in this matter,” the statement reads. 

“The killing is brutal, callous and cold-blooded. The suspects must be arraigned in a court of competent jurisdiction as soon as the police complete their investigations. We warn against any hanky-panky.

“These two soldiers are a disgrace to the Nigerian Army. They are the bad eggs. While our gallant soldiers have been having sleepless nights so that Nigerians can sleep with their two eyes closed, criminal elements among them have been robbing and killing innocent people. 

“These two soldiers, Lance Corporal John Gabriel and Lance Corporal Adamu Gideon of 241 Recce Battalion Nguru who have confessed to their crimes are bad examples and the law must take its due course. 

“MURIC calls for a full investigation into the crime. There may be other accomplices apart from the soldier who came to assist him. We are interested in knowing how a soldier who is not on duty travelled from Nguru to Jajimaji with a rifle.”

The army had earlier said it had launched an investigation into the matter.