Nigerian soldier sentenced to death for murder of suspected Boko Haram terrorist

A Nigerian soldier has been sentenced to death for alleged murder of a suspected Boko Haram terrorist.
The Nigerian Army, in a statement issued Friday, said Hilary Joel, a lance corporal, was convicted of murder after appearing before the General Court Martial, at the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maiduguri, Borno State.
Olusegun Adeniyi, a brigadier general, presided over the court.
Four other soldiers who were also tried for various offenses received varying sentences, said a statement issued by the spokesperson of the division, Kingsley Samuel, a lieutenant colonel.
Chima Samuel, a private, was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison for aiding and abetting the murder of a minor, Yakubu Isah, in Maiduguri.
A trooper, Sunday Ogwuche, was convicted and sentenced to two years and five years imprisonment for stealing and unlawful possession of firearms.
Samuel Balanga, a sergeant, had his rank reduced to a private by the court for desertion and other miscellaneous offenses.
Aliu Audu, a corporal, who was charged with assault, had his rank reduced to a private.

The statement said a representative of the National Human Rights Commission, Jumai Mshelia, who was present during the trial, commended the army for the transparent manner it treated the accused soldiers.
She was said to have expressed delight that the Nigerian army had shown that it is a disciplined organisation.