OPHK begins trial of 29 officers, soldiers

The Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), Major General Christopher Musa has inaugurated a Special Court Martial (SCM) to try 29 officers and soldiers who allegedly committed offences during counter-terrorism operations in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states.

The President of the SCM is Brig-Gen. Hamza Gambo.

At the inauguration of the special court on Thursday at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri, Brig-Gen. Musa disclosed that out of the 227 cases, 107 were pending while 120 had been disposed of by two General Court Martials (GCMs) and a special court martial.

In the cases disposed of, 30 officers and soldiers were imprisoned, 25 officers and soldiers had their ranks reduced. However, 10 officers and soldiers were discharged and acquitted while 14 cases were struck out.

“There are 107 cases recommended for summary trials by the Theatre Command Court Martials,” he said.

He urged the court martial president to ensure justice for the suspects.

The Theatre Legal Adviser, Squadron Leader Audu Satomi said the trial of the officers and soldiers would immediately commence with the inauguration of the court.