The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared that the General Court-Martial inaugurated to try 36 serving military personnel over alleged mutiny and breaches of national security would ensure a fair, impartial and transparent trial.
This was contained in a statement released Friday in Abuja by the Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba.
According to the statement, Uba said the court-martial was constituted to try the personnel for alleged attempts aimed at overthrowing the government of the day.
He said the inauguration of the General Court-Martial was in furtherance of its earlier statement issued on January 26, on the matter.
According to him, the move marks a significant step in reinforcing discipline, accountability and the Armed Forces’ commitment to safeguarding national integrity and constituted authority.
He gave the assurance that proceedings would be conducted with the highest standards of fairness and impartiality, with strict adherence to due process to guarantee that justice is served without fear or favour.
“All cases will be addressed within the extant legal frameworks of the military justice system,” the statement quoted him to have said.
It added that it remained resolute in upholding professionalism, discipline and the rule of law, while ensuring that the rights of all personnel are respected and the tenets of fair hearing are upheld.
The accused officers were brought to the venue of the sitting at the Guards Brigade Scorpion Mess, Asokoro, at about 8:53am under tight security arrangements.
However, journalists were denied access into the courtroom, as the inauguration and trial proceedings were held behind closed doors.
Several civil lawyers were present in the premises ahead of the sitting.
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