In response to circulating allegations, the Nigerian Army issued a statement on Saturday refuting claims that soldiers of northern extraction accused of murder were released while those of southern extraction remained detained. The Army clarified that a Military Court Martial, composed predominantly of officers from the southern part of the country, was established to adjudicate all soldiers implicated in the case.
Director of Army Public Relations, Major Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, emphasized the Army’s commitment to professionalism and impartiality, asserting that ethnicity and religion do not influence decision-making processes but rather the facts and evidence presented.
The statement, titled “Re: Nigerian Army Allegedly Frees Soldiers of Northern Extraction Facing Murder, Reabsorbs Them Into Service While Others Remain in Detention in Enugu,” aimed to address misinformation and prevent discord within the Army and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
The Army clarified that the Court Martial’s composition was not based on regional representation but on a diverse membership drawn from various regions across the country. Notably, the President of the Court Martial is of northern extraction, while the Judge Advocate hails from the South. Furthermore, 60 percent of the Court Martial members are from the southern region, ensuring fair representation.
The decision of the Court Martial, the statement emphasized, was collective and solely based on the evidence presented during the trial. It highlighted a specific case, that of Private Usman Shonva, where evidence revealed the involvement of multiple soldiers at the scene, making it difficult to pinpoint responsibility for the fatal shot. Consequently, Private Shonva was discharged and acquitted based on these findings.
The Nigerian Army reiterated its commitment to justice, equity, and discipline within its ranks, emphasizing its refusal to succumb to divisive narratives based on ethnicity or religion. The statement urged the public to disregard false reports and reiterated the Army’s dedication to upholding fairness and adherence to the law in handling the murder case.
The Army’s response aims to quell tensions and maintain unity within its ranks while ensuring transparency and accountability in the legal proceedings surrounding the soldiers’ alleged involvement in the murder case