The Nigerian Army has hinted that discipline will remain the bedrock of the Military and would be upheld in all ramifications at all times.
Brigadier General Liafis Adesina Bello made this known during the official Inauguration and inaugural sitting of the 3rd Division General Court Martial on Tuesday 27th February, 2024 at the Officers’ Mess of Maxwell Khobe Cantonment Jos, Plateau State.
He said Nigerian Army as an Institution thrive on discipline, regimentation and utmost professionalism.
In his words “Unveiling the Court Martial in the Nigerian Army is a routine duty aimed at compliance with the dictates of the Military justice system”.
He disclosed that 3 Division Headquarters of the Nigerian Army has keyed into the command philosophy of the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja which is “To Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our constitutional responsibilities within a Joint Environment”.
He took time to read the Convening Order of the Convening Officer, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar the General Officer for (GOC) 3 Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven.
Earlier in his remarks the Judge Advocate, Major Nasir Abdullahi disclosed that the Court is set up to enhance discipline and ensure that erring Officers and Soldiers are investigated and prosecuted within a reasonable time through the laid down rules, regulations and procedures.
He further stated that the General Court Martial is being convened to try some Nigerian Army Personnel who are alleged to have committed various offences within the 3 Division Area of Responsibility.
“One of the aims of Court Martial is to achieve timely and quick dispensation of justice” he said.
He charged the accused and their defense Counsels to avoid frivolous adjournments that may lead to unnecessary delay in dispensing justice.
Representative of the Plateau State Chapter of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Barr. Samson Gotom harped on fair hearing and expressed satisfaction with the composition of the Court. He said the Nigerian Bar Association would support the Court to ensure that achieve speedy and smooth trial of the accused Personnel.
The President, Judge Advocate and other Members sworn-in affirmed to duly administer justice according to the Armed Forces Act CAP 820 and Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) without partiality, favour or affection.
Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services 3 Division Nigerian Army, Major Aminu Mansur Mairuwa shortly after the Inauguration of the General Court Martial said the Nigerian Military is an Institution that believes in discipline and will continue to ensure the full application of its internal disciplinary mechanism.
He said the suspected personnel are brought before the Court to follow the necessary procedures premised on respect for the rule of law and ensuring that there is compliance with the principle of natural justice and the extant rules and procedures.
He said “the essence is to make sure that the Military personnel always operate within the confines of our rules of engagement, code of conduct and respect to international best practices”
Those to face trials include one Officer and 16 other Soldiers who are accused of committing offences ranging from murder, armed robbery, unlawful possession of arms/ammunitions, selling of arms/ammunitions and other offences they are not expected to commit in their line of operation.
None of the accused Personnel objected to the constitution of the General Court Martial.
The Court adjourned to 6th March, 2024 when proper trying of the suspected personnel would commence.
