GOC. 82 Division Inaugurates Court-Martial Of Accused Personnels In Enugu
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division Nigeria Army Enugu, Major General HT Dada, on Tuesday 24th October, 2023, inaugurated the court-martial of one officer and twenty-four soldiers for various offences in Enugu.
The ten-man panel, headed by Col. Usman Ahmad was inaugurated at the Officers Mess of 82 Division.
In his speech, the GOC said that the general court-martial was convened by him pursuant to section 131 (2(d) of the Armed Forces Act cap A 20 laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004 for the trial of one officer and 24 soldiers on various allegations against them. He added that general court-martial is one of the methods used in the military to maintain discipline. He said that in court-martial, military personnel are alleged to have committed a crime and if found guilty should be punished in accordance with the laws criminalizing such offences.
General Dada explained that in a situation where the prosecutor fails to establish the allegation against them, the court will discharge and acquit the accused personnel. He further assured the accused personnels that the general court-martial will be guided throughout the trial by the principle of natural Justice and fair hearing as stipulated by constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
He said the GCM is aware of the cardinal principle of criminal justice system that the accused personnel is presumed innocent until proved guilty.
He added that under the justice system, it is better to free ninety-nine guilty personnels than to convict one innocent person.
The GOC then assured the accused that the general court-martial will strive to do justice in their cases by making sure that evidence presented before her are properly evaluated to avoid a situation where an innocent person is made to suffer unjustly.
He appealed to both the prosecuting and defence counsels to avoid unnecessary adjournments capable of delaying the trial, reminding them that justice delayed is justice denied.
