- Maj. Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding of the 82 Division, officially launched the court-martial in Enugu on Tuesday
A total of twenty-five soldiers and an officer are currently undergoing court-martial proceedings at the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army for various offenses.
These individuals come from different units within the division, which holds responsibility for the entire South-East states and Cross River.
Maj. Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding of the 82 Division, officially launched the court-martial in Enugu on Tuesday. He stated that this process is in accordance with the Nigerian Armed Forces Act and is an essential tool for the military to enforce discipline among its personnel.
The GOC emphasized that the accused should be considered innocent until proven guilty through the court-martial process, ensuring they receive a fair hearing.
He said depending on the finding of the court-martial, the defendants would either be free or punished.
“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 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,” the GOC said.
He urged the defence counsel to avoid unnecessary adjournment which would make the cases drag.
The court martial has Col. Usman Ahmad, as President leading 10 members. It also has a Judge Advocate, Capt. S.A. Sadiq, to duly advise the panel as the proceedings continued.