By Our Reporter
Two Nigerian soldiers involved in the maltreatment of a physically challenged man for wearing army camouflage uniform have been demoted and imprisoned by the military authorities.
A statement by Nigerian Army spokesman Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka Usman says, “both have been sentenced to reduction in rank; from Corporal to Private Soldiers and 21 days Imprisonment with Hard Labour (IHL) respectively, which includes forfeiture of 21 days pay to the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
On Tuesday, a video went viral on social media, showing two soldiers molesting a physically challenged on the street of Onitha, south east of the country.
Earlier reports said, the military had made a public apology to the molested cripple and paid him damages in money and clothing.
Usman’s statement says, “Nigerian Army has also reached out to the victim of their unjustifiable assault, Mr. Chijoke Uraku (alias CJ), as widely reported by the media.”
Currently, Nigerian military is taking steps to redeem its battered image from record high human rights violation, especially by sanctioning officers and men involved in human right abuses.
Find below the military statement.
TWO SOLDIERS DEMOTED AND IMPRISONED WITH HARD LABOUR FOR MALTREATING PHYSICALLY CHALLENGED MAN
Sequel to the video clip of two soldiers maltreating a physically challenged man on the streets of Onitsha, Anambra State, last Tuesday, in line with our zero tolerance of infringement of human rights by troops, those involved; Corporal Bature Samuel and Corporal Abdulazeez Usman of 82 Provost Company, have been arrested, summarily tried based on 2 count charges and found guilty.
Consequently, both have been sentenced to reduction in rank; from Corporal to Private Soldiers and 21 days Imprisonment with Hard Labour (IHL) respectively, which includes forfeiture of 21 days pay to the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The Nigerian Army has also reached out to the victim of their unjustifiable assault, Mr. Chijoke Uraku (alias CJ), as widely reported by the media.
We wish to reiterate our avowed determination to ensure that troops conduct themselves in the most orderly and professional manner at all times. Any act of indiscipline would not be tolerated.
You are please requested to disseminate this information to the public through your medium.
Thank you for your kind cooperation.
Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman
Director Army Public Relations
