At least 25 soldiers and one officer are currently facing a court martial trial in the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army for various offences.
General Officer Commanding, 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, disclosed this during the inauguration of the court martial in Enugu on Tuesday.
The personnel facing the trial are drawn from various formations within the division, which area of responsibility covers the entire South-East states and Cross River.
Dada said the process was instituted pursuant to the Nigerian Armed Forces Act.
He said court-martial was one of the vehicles used by the military to instil discipline among its personnel.
The GOC noted that the accused, who are Nigerian Army personnel, alleged to have committed various offences, could not be tried summarily without a duly constituted court martial to give them a fair hearing.
He said that just as in civil court, the accused remained innocent until proven otherwise after going through the court martial and given due fair hearing and the ability to defend themselves.
He disclosed that the court martial had been mandated to try the accused persons, and if they were not found wanting, would be discharged and acquitted of their alleged crimes.
Dada pointed out that if the accused were found guilty, he or she would be punished according to the law criminalising such an offence committed.
“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 to 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,” he said.
The GOC assured all of justice, adding that evidence and allegations laid against the accused would be clearly verified and authenticated to ensure that “the innocents were never victimised”.
He called on the defence counsel of the accused to avoid unnecessary adjournment and time wasting.
