The Military
Court-Martial of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, Borno State has sentenced a
soldier to 18 months imprisonment for disobedience to orders in the war
against
insurgency.
Private Mac
Chukwu allegedly refused to submit 89 rounds of 7.2 mmm special ammunition on
April 7, 2016 after an operation. He was caught by the police on routine checks
at a motorpark in Maiduguri while travelling with the ammunition after securing
a pass from his commander to travel.
The court said
the accused has “clearly admitted” that he was arrested at Tarson Kano in
Maiduguri with 89 rounds of 7.2 mm ammunition contrary to Section 103
sub-section 2 Armed Forces Act. He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. He
was, however, acquitted for the second count of prejudice of service discipline
on the ground that the first offence has taken care of the second.
Besides, three
officers including two Majors and a captain were convicted for 18 months and
two years “forfeiture of seniority” having abandoned their duty positions and
withdrew their troops “without authorisation, being regularly relieved or
permited to do so.”
Major Usman
Inya, Officer Commanding, Infantry Company of 114 Battalion, Bita, Gwoza, Major
M.D. Bello, Officer Commanding, Tank Force Takunbari, and Capt Chris Leche;
were charged before the military court for abandoning their sentry watch at
Takunbari to Bita without permission or evidence of treats from enemy (Boko Haram terrorists) at the frontline last
September, contary to Armed Forces Act.
President of
the court, Brig Gen Olusegun Adeniyi, ruled that the action of the officers was
embarrassing to the Army.
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