The Nigerian Army says it has dismissed from service two soldiers, Lance Corporal John Gabriel and Lance Corporal Adamu Gideon, allegedly involved in the killing of an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Goni Gashua Aisami, in Yobe State.
The duo were dismissed after facing a military trial at the headquarters of the 241 Recce Battalion, Nguru on Saturday, August 27, 2022, having been indicted in a report of a board of inquiry set up to investigate the incident.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, said in a press statement today 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.”
He added: “Both of them were found guilty and awarded reduction of rank from Lance Corporal to Private and Dismissed Regiments.
“The two dismissed soldiers will be officially handed over to the Nigeria Police, Yobe State Command, in Damaturu for civil prosecution in the court of law.”
Nwachukwu reminded the general public that the 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.
“Once more, the NA wishes to commiserate with the family of the victim and the good people of Yobe State. May the soul of the deceased rest in perfect peace,” he said.
