Court detains 6 NAF personnel who are attached to the death of ex-CDS. This news was made known to the public by Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information on Friday in Abuja.
Daramola reported that the six NAF personnel, who were standing trial for various offences, were; Sqn Ldr Tom Gwani, Flight Sergeant Amu David, Flight Sergeant Philemon Degema, Flight Sergeant Sabo Simon, Sergeant Mukhtar Abdullahi and Sergeant Alfred Alexander.
The former CDS was ambushed and killed by some gunmen on his way from his farm along Gitata-Keffi Highway in Nasarawa State.
He said that the six NAF personnel were charged due to failure to Perform Military Duties, by absconding from the convoy of the deceased former CDS while it came under attack as well as Conduct to the Prejudice of Service Discipline, for giving false statements.
He reported that the charges against the accused also included other Civil Offences of Criminal Conspiracy and Miscellaneous Offences Relating to Property, for illegally disposing of 79 rounds of 5.56mm live ammunition issued for the protection of the late CDS, among others. On the count of Aiding and Abetting, 2 of the personnel were found not guilty, while the other 4 personnel who were detailed to provide armed escort were handed various sentences. While pleading in mitigation, the Defence Counsels urged the Court to show leniency, describing the accused persons as first time offenders.
Daramola said the President of the GCM, Air Commodore David Aluku, delivering his judgement, pronounced the 6 accused personnel guilty of the charges.
He said the sentences were announced as being subject to confirmation by the Appropriate Superior Authority.
Daramola said four of the personnel were detailed to provide armed escort for Badeh, while 2 others were detailed for guard duty at his house.
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