Army chief urges court-martial to ensure justice

The General Officer Commanding, 8 Division Nigerian Army,  Maj. Gen. Godwin Mutkut has charged parties involved in a Special Court Martial inaugurated on Monday in Sokoto State, to work together to ensure that justice is attained.

The GOC, who is also the Commander, Joint Task Force, Operation Hadarin Daji, said the special court-martial was convened to address various offences allegedly committed by the Nigerian Army personnel in various theatres of operation across the country.

Speaking in his remarks, the GOC stated that to sustain the administration of justice and a fair hearing for enhanced service discipline, which he said is the bedrock of any military professionalism, the inauguration of the SCM became crucial.

“The court-martial, like all courts is established to provide justice not only to the victims of an alleged crime but justice also to the state and the accused persons.

“I charge you to evaluate all evidence before the court in line with the principles of fairness and to decide each case on its merit to ensure justice is served to all. The court assertion that says 99 guilty persons should go free than for one innocent person to be unjustly convicted.”

He further assured the personnel standing trial that the special court-martial will be guided throughout the trial by the principles of natural justice and fair hearing as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), and other laws and procedures related to their trials.

“I assure the court will be devoid of any external influence and will afford them adequate time and facilities to defend themselves,” he said.

Present at the inauguration of the court were senior officers including the President of the Court, Col. Kabir Imam, formation commanders, prosecution and defence councils.