The 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, on Tuesday, February 27 inaugurated a general court martial to try 17 personnel who allegedly committed murder and other crimes.

The Chief Prosecutor, Maj. Aminu Mairuwa, said that the accused personnel consisted of one officer and 16 soldiers.

Mairuwa, who is the Acting Deputy Director of Legal Services of the division, said that the personnel allegedly committed murder and unlawful possession and sale of firearms, among other unacceptable conducts.

He said that the essence of court martial was to ensure that army personnel would always operate within the confines of rules of engagement, code of conduct and international best practices.

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The accused personnel would be arraigned before the court on March 6.

At the inauguration, the President of the court martial, Brig.-Gen. Liafis Bello, said that the court was conveyed by Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division.

He added that the court was conveyed in accordance with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the Armed Forces Act (Rules of Procedure) 1972, and other extant laws.

Bello explained that the court would be guided by the provision of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria, Armed Forces Act (Rules of Procedure) 1972, and other relevant laws.

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He added that the principle of natural justice, equity and fairness would be the watchword of the court.

The president said that the court would ensure justice and fairness to all.

He charged counsel to ensure decorum during proceedings.

While swearing in the president and other members of court martial, the Judge Advocate, Maj. Nasir Abdullahi, said that the court martial was an internal mechanism adopted by the Nigerian Army toward ensuring total discipline among its officers and men.

He gave the assurance that each accused personnel would be entitled to a defence counsel.

The Star