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Nigerian Army demotes and jails 2 officers for mistreating disabled civilian

Nigerian Army demotes and jails 2 officers for mistreating disabled civilian

Nigeria

The Nigerian Army on Friday announced that two officers caught on video abusing a physically challenged man in the city of Onitsha in the southern Anambra State had been demoted and jailed.

Both men, were arrested after the assault video went viral on social media. The were seen beating the disabled man ostensibly because he was wearing a military camouflage. The video was widely condemned by rights groups, who called on the Army top rank to take action.

Corporal Bature Samuel and Corporal Abdulazeez Usman of 82 Provost Company, were arrested, summarily tried based on 2 count charges and found guilty, the Army said in a statement on its Facebook page.

‘‘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 statement noted.

The Army’s unit in the State also hosted the assault victim on Friday. He was seen in his wheel chair wearing a military camouflage trouser. The Army referred to Mr. Chijoke Uraku (alias CJ) as ‘‘victim of unjustifiable assault.’‘

The man assaulted by 2 soldiers in Onitsha was hosted 302 Artillery Regiment.The NA shouldn't allow bad eggs to spoil its good reputation. pic.twitter.com/SnOGJjRZ6l

— Dr. Aminu Gamawa (aminugamawa) February 10, 2017

‘‘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,’‘ the statement concluded.

The Army has recently been at loggerheads with international rights group Amnesty International over its handling of protests relating to the Biafra agitation.

The Army has also been having issues with local media portals over reportage relating to the fight against insurgent group, Boko Haram.

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