The high-profile trial, which took place at the Officers’ Mess of the Theatre Command Headquarters, was presided over by Brigadier General Ugochukwu Unachukwu, Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander of Sector 1, Operation Hadin Kai, OPHK.

Delivering the verdict, Brigadier General Mohammed Abdullahi, President of the Court-Martial, declared Sergeant Raphael Ameh, Sergeant Ejiga Musa, and Lance Corporal Patrick Ocheje guilty on multiple charges. Each was sentenced to life imprisonment. Corporal Omitoye Rufus received a 15-year sentence.

The soldiers were convicted of offences including theft, unlawful dealing in ammunition, and aiding the enemy, all in violation of the Armed Forces.

In its ruling, the court described the soldiers’ actions as a serious breach of military discipline and a direct threat to national security. The court found that the men knowingly aided enemy elements and undermined counter-insurgency operations in the region.

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Brigadier General Abdullahi condemned the convicts as “bad eggs” who had betrayed the trust and honour of the Nigerian Army.

“Their conduct is disgraceful and unacceptable. The Nigerian Army maintains a zero-tolerance stance on the illegal sale of arms and ammunition to adversaries. This will not be tolerated in any form or guise,” he stated.

The sentencing is seen as a strong message to personnel engaged in unpatriotic activities amid ongoing security challenges in the country.

Source: Channels