The Nigerian Army has dismissed two soldiers over the murder of an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Goni Aisami Gashua, in Yobe State.
The dismissed soldiers include Lance Corporal John Gabriel and Lance Corporal Adamu Gideon.
In a statement on Saturday, the Army Spokesperson, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu said, 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.
He added that, 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 reduction of rank from Lance Corporal to Private and Dismissed Regiments.
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 Nigerian Army had pledged to institute a Board of Inquiry to unravel the circumstances surrounding the incident and speedily bring the suspects to justice, if indicted.
Nwachukwu said the Nigerian Army 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.