The Nigerian Army has dismissed Lance Corporal John Gabriel and Lance Corporal Adamu Gideon over alleged involvement in the killing of an Islamic cleric, Sheik Goni Gashua Aisami in Yobe state.
Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed this in a Saturday statement.
The army spokesman said that the two soldiers were dismissed after facing trial at the Headquarters 241 Recce Battalion, Nguru on Saturday, August 27, having been indicted in a report of a Board of Inquiry set up to investigate the unfortunate incident.
“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.
“Both of them were found guilty and awarded reduction of rank from Lance Corporal to Private and Dismissed Regiments,” the statement read in part.
Nwachukwu noted that the two dismissed soldiers would be officially handed over to the Yobe State Police Command in Damaturu for civil prosecution in the court of law.
It could be recalled that the Nigerian 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,” the statement further read.