Nigerian soldiers found guilty of abduction, get jail terms

The Nigerian Army General Court Martial sitting in Maiduguri has
sentenced two soldiers, Sgt. Aliyu Hassan and Cpl. Bello Nasiru, to
five years imprisonment for abduction.

This is contained in a statement issued by Brig. Gen. Texas Chukwu,
the Director, Army Public Relations, on Friday in Maiduguri.

President of the Court, Brig. Gen. Olusegun Adesina, said the soldiers
were found guilty of the three-count of civil offences bordering on
attempt to commit abduction and extortion.

Adesina sentenced the two soldiers to five-year imprisonment on the
first and third count charge which were to run concurrently.

The court, which sat at Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri, also
demoted the convicts to the ranks of Corporal and Private,
respectively.

Meanwhile, the court has demoted three officers after their conviction
for cowardice, indiscipline and negligence to duty.

The officers were Cpt. Alhamdu Kwasau, Cpt. Jimen Babangida and Lt Sunusi Bello.

Kwasau was found guilty of cowardly behavior and negligence in the
discharge of his duties and demoted to the rank of Lieutenant with
two-year loss of seniority on the rank.

Also, Cpt. Babangida bagged 9-month forfeiture of seniority on the
rank while Lieutenant Bello got 6-month forfeiture of seniority on the
rank, after they were found guilty of conduct contrary to service
discipline.

Similarly, the court ordered additional 9-month forfeiture of
seniority on the rank of Captain on Babangida for disobedience to
standing orders.

Adesina added that the verdicts were subject to ratification by the
military authorities.

He noted that the court-martial was to keep troops in check, ensure
strict adherence to the code of conduct guiding counter-insurgency
operation and respect for human rights.