17th August, 2021
By Oluwole Adeboye
The Nigerian soldiers who were convicted since 2014, for demanding better equipment to fight insurgency, have regained freedom.
The 54 soldiers were released from the medium-security custodian center, Kiri Kiri, Apapa maximum, and Ikoyi correctional center today.
The 54 soldiers were driven straight to Barrister Femi Falana chamber in Ikeja immediately after their release.
The soldiers were charged with mutiny and sentenced to death. However, the death sentence was commuted to 10 years jail term after the case was reviewed.
Falana, who represented the soldiers during the military court-martial, had revealed that “the only allegation proved against them at the courts-martial was that they protested the refusal of the military authorities to provide weapons to fight insurgency.”
Falana added that “Unlike many soldiers who deserted the army, the convicts were ready to defend the territorial integrity of the country. They only made a legitimate demand for equipment to fight the insurgents who were better equipped and motivated.
“The second batch of convicts actually fought and defeated the Boko Haram troops at Delwa in Borno State when weapons were eventually made available to them.
“But for having the temerity to demand for weapons they were convicted and sentenced to death.”