Maj.-Gen Emmanuel Abejirin, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2nd Division Nigerian Army, Ibadan, on Wednesday inaugurated a general court martial to try erring personnel within the division.
The GOC said at the inauguration that the Court Marshal became necessary to dispose of some disciplinary cases which by the provisions of military law could not be tried summarily.
He said the cases included stealing, forgery, defilement, r*pe and murder.
He said member the court martial, led by Brig. Gen Felix Agugo, were selected based on rank, seniority, general service knowledge and wealth of experience.
“Let me note at this point that military justice is in consonance with democratic order; hence military law and administration of military justice are not arbitrary,
“Military justice is based on due process in conformity with extant laws, especially the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Armed Forces Act,” he said.
He urged members of the court to ensure that every step or action taken in the trial process conformed to the law.
“In view of this, I wish to note that military justice is key to achieving military efficiency and discipline,
“This court is empowered to determine the guilt or otherwise of accused persons who are to be presumed innocent until proved otherwise,” he said. [NAN]
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