A Nigerian soldier has been sentenced to death for the murder of a Boko Haram suspect.
Lance corporal Hilary Joel is among five soldiers the General Court Martial (GCM) in Maiduguri, north-eastern Borno State has sentenced on cases regarding violation of human rights and other “operational offences”.
Private Chima Samuel, who was convicted for aiding and abetting murder of the minor Yakubu Isah in Maiduguri, was sentenced to 15 years imprisonment.
The court sentenced reduction in rank to private for Sergeant Samuel Balanga, who was convicted for desertion and miscellaneous offences.
Corporal Aliu Audu, who was charged for assault, was also demoted to the rank of private.
Trooper Sunday Ogwuche, who was convicted for stealing and unlawful possession of 641 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, was sentenced to a combined seven years in prison.
National Human Rights Commission representative Jumai Usman Mshelia commended the Nigerian army for transparency in the trial of the accused soldiers.
– By ANA
