Twenty-five soldiers and an officer drawn from various formations within the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army are currently facing trial for various offences at the newly inaugurated court-martial in Enugu.
According to reports, the personnel being court-martialled include those whose area of responsibility covers the entire South-East states and Cross River.
Inaugurating the Court martial in Enugu on Tuesday, the General Officer commanding 82 Division, Maj. Gen. Hassan Dada said the process was instituted pursuant to the Nigerian Armed Forces Act adding that the court-martial is one of the vehicles used by the military to instil discipline in its personnel.
The GOC said the accused remained innocent until proven otherwise after going through the court martial and given due fair hearing.
He said depending on the finding of the court-martial, the defendants would either be free or punished.
“Let me assure you that this court-martial will be guided by the principle of natural justice and fair hearing as encapsulated in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended and other extant laws and procedures related to your trial.
“The court is free from any external influences and we will ensure adequate time and facilities to ensure you defend yourselves,” the GOC said.
He urged the defence counsel to avoid unnecessary adjournment which would make the cases drag.
The court martial has Col. Usman Ahmad, as President leading 10 members. It also has a Judge Advocate, Capt. S.A. Sadiq, to duly advise the panel as the proceedings continued.
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