Akure — Today is judgment day for the 28 soldiers that protested on July 5, 2008, over non-payment of their foreign mission allowances and were charged with mutiny by the Nigerian Army.

The soldiers are being tried by the Brigadier Ishaya Bauka-led Military Court Martial sitting at the Officers' Mess of the 323 Artillery Regiment, Owena Barrack, Akure, Ondo State.

The tribunal had on January 20, this year, sanctioned four officers including a former Commanding Officer for their roles which led to the protest.

Prosecution Counsel, Colonel T.S. Nurseman, said the soldiers committed the offence of mutiny, while the accused counsel, Femi Falana, said the soldiers had the right to peaceful protest, more importantly when their rights were being trampled upon.

The trial of the soldiers had generated reactions from within and outside the country, especially since their alleged offence were as a result of foreign mission coordinated by the United Nations.

The soldiers, including four ladies, were part of the 850 NIBAT 14 and 15 of the Nigerian Army that served in the peace-keeping force in Liberia between August 2007 and April 2008.

Source: http://allafrica.com/stories/200904060190.html

The tribunal had on January 20, this year, sanctioned four officers including a former Commanding Officer for their roles which led to the protest.
Prosecution Counsel, Colonel T.S. Nurseman, said the soldiers committed the offence of mutiny, while the accused counsel, Femi Falana, said the soldiers had the right to peaceful protest, more importantly when their rights were being trampled upon.

The trial of the soldiers had generated reactions from within and outside the country, especially since their alleged offence were as a result of foreign mission coordinated by the United Nations.

The outcome of this case is going to be a reference point for subsequent judgements on issues like this. Well, Lets wait and see wait our learned friends will rule in this case.