Army sentences soldier to death for killing B’Haram suspect

It was learnt that while the President of the military court, Brig. -Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi, sentenced Joel to death, he announced the reduction in rank to Private for Balanga and Audu, who were convicted for desertion and assault respectively. The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, and 7 Division Spokesperson, Lt.Col. Kingsley Samuel, who confirmed the convictions, said that the cases bordered on violation of human rights and other operational offences in Operation Lafiya Dole. He said, “Lance Corporal Hilary Joel, who was convicted for murder of a suspected Boko Haram terrorist in Damboa, was sentenced to death. “Also Corporal Aliu Audu, who was charged for assault, was demoted to the rank of Private. Others also got their sentences. “The representative of the National Human Rights Commission present in court, Jumai Mshelia, commended the Nigerian Army for the transparency in the trial of the accused soldiers.”]]>