Army General arraigned over Boko Haram suspects’ escape

Posted by admin Armed Forces, Boko Haram, Headlines Tuesday, August 16th, 2011

Brig. General Muraina Raji, former Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, was on Tuesday arraigned before a Special Court Martial over the escape of two detainees from the Brigade’s detention facilities.

According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) report, the detainees were suspected to be members of the Boko Haram who were arrested over an onslaught on Bauchi in 2010.

Inaugurating the six-member panel in Jos, the GOC, 3 Armoured Division, Major General Sunday Idoko, said Raji was indicted for complicity by a military investigation report.

“It is the duty of superiors to observe, correct and instantly deal with negligence or any misconduct on the part of subordinates.

“When there is any breach, it is expected that appropriate disciplinary measures are taken by commanders to forestall future occurrence.”
The GOC said the constitutional role of the military required the highest standard of discipline and professionalism, stressing that discipline and loyalty were essential requirements to success in professional soldiering.

Idoko explained that appropriate disciplinary action was necessary in the Nigerian Army so that the institution would continue to play its constitutional role and sustain its place as the pride of the nation.
He expressed regrets that he was convening the third court within a year of his assumption of duty as the GOC of the division.
“However, if this division has been witnessing one Court Martial after the other, it is because I want to sustain high level of professionalism required to confront the mounting security challenges in our areas of operation,” he said.
The GOC noted that the existing court in the division’s headquarters lacked jurisdiction to try Raji by virtue of his rank, necessitating the inauguration of another court.

Idoko implored the court to ensure that no effort was spared to achieve justice for the accused, the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian State, adding that fairness and impartiality should be upheld in the proceedings and the dispensation of justice.
When Raji was arraigned before the court, he objected to the membership of the ‘Waiting Member’ of Brig. General Agbo Robinson, who took over from him as the Commander of the Brigade.

“He took over the Brigade after me and in the circumstances of the case, it will be prejudicial for him to be on the panel. Besides, all those appointed to testify against me are from his Command.”
Raji also objected to the membership of the Judge Advocate, Lt. Col. Bernard Okorie, whom he said participated in filing the case against him.
“His position will make it difficult for him to do his job as freely as he should.” The court later adjourned to consult over Raji’s objection.’

-Sunwp_posts