Nigerian Army Demotes and Jails Officers Who Assaulted a Crippled Man in Otnisha

The Nigerian Army has demoted and jailed two soldiers who assaulted a physically challenged man, Chijoke Uraku, popularly known as CJ, in Onitsha, Anmabra State.

The identities of the soldiers have been given as Corporal Bature Samuel and Corporal Abdulazeez Usman, both of the 82 Provost Company.

The two on Tuesday in Onitsha beat up Uraku for wearing an army camouflage uniform.

The Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sani Usman, said in a statement late on Friday that Usman and Samuel have been found guilty for the attack on Uraku.

The statement by Usman reads: “Sequel to the video clip of two soldiers maltreating a physically challenged man on the streets of Onitsha, Anambra State, last Tuesday, in line with our zero tolerance of infringement of human rights by troops, those involved, Corporal Bature Samuel and Corporal Abdulazeez Usman of 82 Provost Company, have been arrested, summarily tried based on 2 count charges and found guilty.

“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 Nigerian Army has also reached out to the victim of their unjustifiable assault, Mr. Chijoke Uraku (alias CJ), as widely reported by the media.

“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.”