2 dismissed soldiers to face civil prosecution over killing of cleric, Sheikh Aisami – Army

The Nigerian Army has said that the two dismissed soldiers allegedly involved in the killing of Sheikh Goni Aisami will be handed over to the Nigeria Police, Yobe State Command for civil prosecution in the court of law.

Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations made this revelation via a statement made available to newsmen on Saturday.

The statement noted that both soldiers were charged and summarily tried for failure to perform military duties and conduct prejudice to service discipline, punishable under Section 62(a) of Armed Forces Act CAP A20 and Section 103(1) of Armed Forces Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.

The statement said both of them were found guilty and awarded a reduction of rank from Lance Corporal to Private and Dismissed Regiments.

Reacting to the development, the Acting Commanding Officer, 241 Recce Battalion, Nguru, Lt. Col. Ibrahim Abdullahi Osabo said, “obviously, these men (the dismissed soldiers) can never represent us. We are being paid Nigerian taxpayers’ money to hold guns and defend this country, but what these soldiers did, is not a true reflection of the Nigerian Army personnel.

“I want to assure you, we are law-abiding citizens and we are ready to dispense justice”.

Recall that the Nigerian Army had pledged to institute a Board of Inquiry to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and speedily bring the suspects to justice if indicted.