Army dismisses two soldiers over murder of Yobe cleric

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The Nigerian Army has fired two soldiers in connection with the murder of an Islamic cleric in Yobe State, Sheikh Goni Aisami Gashua.

Lance Corporal John Gabriel and Lance Corporal Adamu Gideon are among those who have been discharged.

The acting commander officer in charge of 241 Reece battalion, Nguru, Yobe State, Lt Col. Ibrahim Osabo, told journalists a joint board of inquiry set up in collaboration with the police had found them guilty.

He said the two soldiers were dismissed on a two-count charge of failure to perform duties and conduct prejudice to service discipline.

Lt Col Osabo added that the dismissed soldiers will be handed over to the police in Damaturu for prosecution in court of law.

Newsclick Nigeria had reported the killing of Sheikh Goni Aisami-Gashua earlier this month.

The cleric was said to be travelling from Gashua to Kano when he was followed in a bus by the attackers.

Some Gashua residents told newsmen that the incident happened around 10am at Jajimaji, a distance of less than 30 kilometers away from Gashua, the hometown of the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan.

These suspects, paraded by the police on August 23, 2022, were said to have been involved in the murder of a cleric in Yobe state.
These suspects, paraded by the police on August 23, 2022, were said to have been involved in the murder of a cleric in Yobe state.

Police spokesman in the state, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, said suspects wielding AK-47 rifles had been arrested and were in police custody.

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the murder.