Army demotes general for misuse of military property
The Nigeria Army has demoted a major-general to brigadier-general for carrying out a training without proper permission from higher authorities in a new court martial.
A special military court on Friday, September 9 demoted the senior officer, Patrick Falola to a lower rank for admitting students for clinical training without permission.
Premium Times reports that Falola, who is the director of 68 Military Reference Hospital, Yaba in Lagos state was arraigned on a two-count charge of conduct prejudice the service and fraudulent misapplication of the hospital’s property.
READ ALSO: Outrage as Senior NDA cadets brutalise recruit to death 24hours after joining
Falola was acquitted of the first charge by a court martial presided over by James Gbum, an Air Vice Marshal but was found guilty on the second charge.
“This court is compelled to award a higher punishment under sections 103 and 66 of the Armed Forces Act Cap A 20 laws of the Federation 2004.
“The court has taken into consideration the service record of the convicted senior officer, the touching plea in mitigation by the defence council as well as the demeanor of the convicted officer.
“But we have also taken into consideration the senior officer’s seniority, rank, experience and the regimental tradition of the armed forces.
“This court has discharged and acquitted the convicted officer on the first charge, on the second offence, the sentence is reduction in rank to Brigadier General,” he said.
READ ALSO: Nigerian army records big success against Niger Delta militants (Photos)
The defence counsel, Enokela Onyilo-Uloko, a retired Wing Cdr., said the judgement was an attempt to tarnish the clean record of his client.
“No such law was tendered in evidence but they are saying he should have used his initiative when there is no law finalising an act. It does not amount to criminal offence that my client is being tried for.
“So, the conviction is based on nothing and cannot stand the light of day in the eye of the law.
“And when we go higher to the Court of Appeal, I assure you, this conviction will be thrown out,” Onyilo-Uloko said.
Interesting? You can read more about court martial activities of the Nigeria Army in Anxiety as army moves against soldiers.
Source: Legit.ng
