Twenty-five soldiers and an officer drawn from various formations within the 82 Division are currently being court-martialed in the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army for various offenses, stated Major General Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding 82 Division, during the inauguration of the Court Martial.
He emphasised that the court-martial serves as a means for the military to instill discipline in its personnel and underscored that the accused are presumed innocent until proven otherwise after undergoing the court-martial and receiving a fair hearing.
Major General Dada continued, saying, “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.”
He further called on the defense counsel to avoid unnecessary adjournments that could prolong the cases.
The court martial is led by Colonel Usman Ahmad, who presides over ten members, and it includes a Judge Advocate, Captain S.A. Sadiq, to provide necessary guidance as the proceedings continue.
