The Nigerian Army (NA) says it has dismissed Lance Corporal John Gabriel and Lance Corporal Adamu Gideon, allegedly involved in the killing of an Islamic cleric, Sheik Goni Gashua Aisami in Yobe state.
The soldiers were dismissed from service after facing trial at the Headquarters 241 Recce Battalion, Nguru, Yobe State on Saturday 27 August 2022, having been indicted in a report by a Board of Inquiry set up to investigate the unfortunate incident.
Both soldiers were charged and summarily tried for Failure to perform military duties and conduct prejudice to service discipline, punishable under Section 62(a) of Armed Forces Act CAP A20 and Section 103(1) of Armed Forces Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.
According to a statement by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, both soldiers were found guilty and awarded reduction of rank from Lance Corporal to Private and dismissed regiments.
The two dismissed soldiers will be officially handed over to the Nigeria Police, Yobe State Command in Damaturu for civil prosecution in the court of law.
The NA had pledged to institute a Board of Inquiry to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and speedily bring the suspects to justice, if indicted.
The army further said it wishes to commiserate with the family of the victim and the good people of Yobe State.
Emmanuel Ukoh
