By Modupe Gbadeyanka
One Lance Corporal Hilary Joel, who was accused of killing a suspected Boko Haram terrorist in Damboa, Borno State, has been sentenced to death by a military court.
Lance Corporal Joel was among the soldiers who stood trial at the General Court Martial (GCM) sitting at 7 Division, Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, Borno State.
After the conclusion of cases of five soldiers accused of human rights violation and other operational offences in Operation LAFIYA DOLE, President of the Court, Brigadier General Olusegun Adeniyi, while delivering judgement, announced reduction in rank to Private in 2 count charges for Sergeant Samuel Balanga who is convicted for desertion and miscellaneous offences.
Similarly, the court sentenced Private Chima Samuel who was convicted for aiding and abetting murder of a minor Yakubu Isah in Maiduguri to 15 years imprisonment.
Also, Corporal Aliu Audu, who was charged for assault, was reduced to the rank of Private.
In the same vein, Trooper Sunday Ogwuche, who was convicted for stealing and unlawful possession of 641 rounds of 7.62mm Special, was sentenced to 2 years and 5 years imprisonment.
Commenting on the exercise, representative of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) present at the court, Barr Jumai Usman Mshelia, who is the Commission Acting Zonal Coordinator in Borno State, commended the Nigerian Army for the transparency in the trial of the a accused soldiers.
She expressed delight that the Nigerian Army has shown that it is a discipline organisation and airing personnel are tried for wrong doing.
Adedapo Adesanya