Trial, Conviction, Death Sentence For Soldiers Paid Off – Army Spokesman

Brig. Gen. Olajide Laleye

         The Nigerian Army has revealed the gains of the ongoing General Court Martial of some soldiers and officers over mutiny and other offences, saying it has instilled discipline and professionalism in the Armed Forces.

Army spokesman, Brigadier General Olajide Laleye disclosed this on Wednesday at a press briefing; he said that troops are now better attuned to the reality of the nation’s security emergency.

Laleye said, “On this note, I wish to bring to your attention that the strict enforcement of service regulations and laws by the Army is paying off. Troops are now better attuned to the reality of our national security emergency.”

“Cases of unprofessional conducts have been significantly reduced. The Army notes with satisfaction that troops’ fighting spirit, courage, determination and patriotism have been rekindled.”

The Army spokesman confirmed that a number of officers and men were still undergoing trial before General Court Martial in Abuja, Lagos and Jos.

He dismissed reports that proceedings at the General Court Martial did not follow due process, saying the court martial was not a mushroom court.

“The judicial process that led to the convictions and acquittals followed international best practices in military law and also confirms to relevant Nigerian laws.”

“This is contrary to insinuations by the media which suggest that due process has not been followed in the trial of officers and soldiers. Let me state categorically that a General Court Martial has the status of the high court and is backed by extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, he stated.

Gen. Laleye however added that the all military court is not a final authority, saying that the process and convictions were subject to confirmation by the appropriate superior military authority and also subject to appeal.

Laleye further said the Army had introduced new effective strategies to the ongoing counter insurgency operations in the Northeastern part of the country, saying this had led to the recovery of some territories captured by the Boko Haram insurgents.

He vowed that every inch on Nigerian territory still under Boko Haram’s control would be recovered until the enemy is defeated adding that the military would work in collaboration with other security and relevant agencies to ensure credible and violence free elections in the country, particularly in the troubled Northeastern part.