Army Dismisses Two Soldiers Over Killing Of Islamic Cleric

The Nigerian Army (NA) has dismissed from service two soldiers, Lance Corporal John Gabriel with service number N/A13/69/1522 and Lance Corporal Adamu Gideon N/A13/70/6552, allegedly involved in the killing of an Islamic cleric, Sheik Goni Gashua Aisami in Yobe State.

The soldiers were dismissed after facing trial at the Headquarters 241 Recce Battalion, Nguru on Saturday 27 August 2022, having been indicted in a report of a Board of Inquiry set up to investigate the unfortunate incident.

Both soldiers were charged and summarily tried for failure to perform military duties and conduct prejudice to service discipline, punishable under Section 62(a) of Armed Forces Act CAP A20 and Section 103(1) of Armed Forces Act CAP A20 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004. Both of them were found guilty and awarded a reduction of rank from Lance Corporal to Private and Dismissed Regiments.

Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director, Army Public Relations said the two dismissed soldiers will be officially handed over to the Nigeria Police, Yobe State Command in Damaturu for civil prosecution in the court of law.

It could be recalled that the NA had pledged to institute a Board of Inquiry to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and speedily bring the suspects to justice if indicted.

“Once more, the NA wishes to commiserate with the family of the victim and the good people of Yobe State. May the soul of the deceased rest in perfect peace”.

Eighteen-Eleven Media reports that the Police in Yobe State have earlier arrested the two soldiers over their alleged involvement in the murder of Sheikh Goni Aisami.

A Deputy Superintendent of Police and the Command’s spokesman, Dungus Abdulkarim, had announced the arrest of the suspects a few days ago in Damaturu.

Abdulkarim said that on 19 August, police operatives apprehended the suspects in connection with the Sheik’s murder.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the cleric who was travelling from Kano State gave a ride to Gabriel, the principal suspect.

However, on their way to Jaji-Maji, a village along Gashua town, where the soldier said he was going, he allegedly told the deceased that there was an unusual noise at the rear tire, which made Aisami stop.

It was when the cleric came down to check the tires that Gabriel allegedly brought out his rifle concealed in a camp bed and shot him dead.

He then dragged the body and hid it in the bush and tried to take off with the deceased’s car, which, however, failed to start.

The principal suspect called Gideon, the second suspect, on phone to assist in towing the vehicle.