The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has praised retired senior officer, Colonel Ukpe Ukpe, for authoring a landmark book that sheds light on the principles and practice of military justice in Nigeria.
The book, titled “Justice in the Armed Forces: Law and Practice,” was officially launched on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at a colourful event attended by top military officers, legal experts, and members of the public.
Speaking at the launch, General Musa described the work as a “beacon of knowledge” that will help deepen understanding of the laws guiding military operations and discipline.
“This book is more than just a collection of words. It is a vital contribution to strengthening discipline, justice, and the rule of law within our armed forces,” he said.
The CDS explained that the book provides both theoretical and practical insights into military justice, covering key areas such as investigations, court-martial processes, and disciplinary procedures. He added that the author’s wealth of experience as a senior officer gives the book a unique depth and perspective.
“In today’s world, where transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights are essential, this book could not have come at a better time,” General Musa stated.
He commended Colonel Ukpe for drawing from his wealth of experience to produce a comprehensive guide that will serve as an important resource for both legal and non-legal personnel.
According to him, the book’s relevance is particularly timely in an era where transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights are critical for modern military operations.
“Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done. This work will foster trust within the ranks and between the military and the civilian populace while promoting discipline across the armed forces,” he added.
The CDS urged officers, legal practitioners, and those interested in military jurisprudence to study the book and also consider documenting their own experiences for the benefit of future generations.
He congratulated Colonel Ukpe on the successful publication and expressed optimism that the book will serve as a cornerstone for legal education and military justice reform in Nigeria.
Speaking on the new book, the author, retired senior military officer, Col. Ukpe Ukpe Sam said the book was borne out of his decades of active service and firsthand experience in the administration of justice across the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
While formally presenting his new book titled Justice in the Nigerian Armed Forces – Law and Practice, a comprehensive work aimed at strengthening the Nigerian military justice system, Col. Ukpe expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to contribute to the evolution of military justice in Nigeria
“This work represents my humble effort to bridge gaps I observed during my years of service and to offer practical, experience-driven recommendations that can strengthen our military justice system,” he said.
The retired officer emphasized that the book is timely, given Nigeria’s current complex security challenges and the crucial role of the Armed Forces. He underscored the importance of guaranteeing constitutional rights, particularly the right to fair hearing, for personnel facing military trials.
Col. Ukpe Ukpe Sam also highlighted the significant reforms implemented by the current Defence leadership, which he said have transformed military trial processes and improved transparency. He dispelled outdated perceptions of inhumane treatment and unfair convictions, stressing that under today’s democratic dispensation, accused persons receive humane treatment and fair trials.
However, he expressed concern about Nigeria’s continued reliance on outdated legal frameworks such as the Manual of Military Law 1972, despite the British Armed Forces—who introduced these laws—having since modernized and harmonized theirs into a single Manual of Court Martial, last updated in 2024.
"Our reliance on separate and inconsistent rules across the three Services undermines fairness, uniformity, and certainty in the dispensation of justice,” he noted.
To address this, Col. Ukpe strongly recommended a comprehensive review and harmonization of Nigeria’s military Rules of Procedure to align with the recently assented Harmonized Armed Forces Act 2024 and the Harmonized Terms and Conditions of Service. He urged that the review be undertaken by a committee of serving and retired military lawyers with extensive experience in prosecuting, defending, and adjudicating court-martial trials.
The author further advised serving military legal officers to take active roles in court-martial trials rather than limiting themselves to advisory duties. He suggested that their participation should be factored into promotion and appointment considerations to ensure accountability and professionalism.
Additionally, he called for increased public sensitization to dispel misconceptions about how court-martial officials are appointed, noting that such positions are based on merit and authority, not lobbying or favoritism
“If implemented under the present leadership, these reforms will stand as a historic milestone and forever enshrine the names of today’s Chiefs in the annals of military justice reform,” he stated.
Col. Ukpe pledged to make copies of the book available to military libraries, training institutions, and other relevant stakeholders to support continuous education and improvement within the Armed Forces.
The book is expected to serve as a vital reference for military and civilian lawyers, convening and confirming authorities, appellate judges handling military cases, and defence institution instructors and students.
The launch of “Justice in the Armed Forces: Law and Practice” marks a significant milestone in advancing understanding of military justice and its role in building a disciplined, professional, and accountable armed force.
The event concluded with the author expressing his hope that the book will inspire reforms that strengthen justice, fairness, and professionalism within the Nigerian Armed Forces.
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