A
total of 17 soldiers are facing court martial at the Maxwell Khobe
Cantonment, Rukuba Barrack in Plateau State over various allegations
including murder, manslaughter, and human rights abuses against
civilians.
The
General Officer Commanding, GOC, of the cantonment, Ebiobowei Awala,
stated this on Monday at the inauguration of the court martial on the
erring officers.
The
general court martial was exerted on erring members of Joint Task
Force, JTF, (Operation restore order 1) and the Special Task-Force STF
(Operation Safe Haven) keeping peace in Plateau State, whom the GOC said
were duly investigated by the military police for various offenses.
Mr.
Awala, a Major General, said that soldiers have guiding principles and
laws regulating their profession that demand total respect for human
life, adding that military laws give him the power to order the trial of
the affected officials.
“It
is the duty of superiors to observe, correct and instantly deal with
negligence or any misconduct on the part of subordinates. When there is
any breach, it is expected that appropriate disciplinary measures must
be taken by commanders to forestall future occurrence. The kind and
amount of punishment should be adequate enough to achieve its purpose
and serve as deterrent to others,” he said.
If found wanting, the accused persons may be sentenced to life imprisonment, death by hanging or dismissed from the force
While
inaugurating the court martial, the GOC urged members of the committee
overseeing the court-martial to act according to laid down rules.
“I
therefore enjoin all parties to this court martial to discharge their
duties expeditiously and with a degree of commitment that will ensure
the accused persons know their fate in good time,” he said.
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