Army Begins Trial Of 59 Soldiers For Refusing To Fight Boko Haram

An Army General Court Martial set up by the authorities of the Nigerian Military have charged 59 soldiers on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy to commit mutiny and murder in Abuja.

The accused militaries include two corporals, nine lance corporals and 48 private soldiers belonging to the 111 Special Forces Battalion, Maiduguri, Borno State.

All of them appealed not guilty to the charges, when they were read to them by the Judge Advocate of the Court, Lt. Col. Ukpe Ukpe.

The prosecutor, J.E. Nwosu, an army Captain, supposed that the defendants had on August 4, in Maiduguri, refused to join the 111 Special Forces Battalion troops, commanded by a Lieutenant Colonel for advance operation Timothy Opurum.

Mr. Nwosu said the maneuver was expected to recall Delwa, Bulabulin and Damboa in Borno State from the Boko Haram terrorists.

The commander of the 111 Special Forces, Lt.-Col. Opurum, was called as one of the witnesses.

After this the President of the Court, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yusuf delayed trial till Thursday.

The arraignment of the 59 soldiers is the largest number of soldiers ever charged for mutiny in the history of the Nigerian Army.

The crime of mutiny carries the death penalty.

The General Court Martial was inaugurated on October 2, to try 97 soldiers, including 15 senior officers for mutiny. (NAN)