•3 others lose promotions
From Timothy Olanrewaju, Maiduguri
The Military Court-Martial of the Nigerian Army in Maiduguri, Borno State has sentenced a soldier to 18 months imprisonment for disobedience to orders in the war against insurgency.
Private Mac Chukwu allegedly refused to submit 89 rounds of 7.2 mmm special ammunition on April 7, 2016 after an operation. He was caught by the police on routine checks at a motorpark in Maiduguri while travelling with the ammunition after securing a pass from his commander to travel.
The court said the accused has “clearly admitted” that he was arrested at Tarson Kano in Maiduguri with 89 rounds of 7.2 mm ammunition contrary to Section 103 sub-section 2 Armed Forces Act. He was sentenced to 18 months imprisonment. He was, however, acquitted for the second count of prejudice of service discipline on the ground that the first offence has taken care of the second.
Besides, three officers including two Majors and a captain were convicted for 18 months and two years “forfeiture of seniority” having abandoned their duty positions and withdrew their troops “without authorisation, being regularly relieved or permited to do so.”
Major Usman Inya, Officer Commanding, Infantry Company of 114 Battalion, Bita, Gwoza, Major M.D. Bello, Officer Commanding, Tank Force Takunbari, and Capt Chris Leche; were charged before the military court for abandoning their sentry watch at Takunbari to Bita without permission or evidence of treats from enemy (Boko Haram terrorists) at the frontline last September, contary to Armed Forces Act.
President of the court, Brig Gen Olusegun Adeniyi, ruled that the action of the officers was embarrassing to the Army.