Nigeria to hang soldier for 'burning alive' suspect

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria

A court martial on Friday sentenced a soldier to death for burning alive an unarmed Boko Haram suspect in northeastern Maiduguri city, according to an army spokesman.

The sentencing comes after various international human rights organizations, especially Amnesty International accused Nigerian security agencies of gross violations during the fight against Boko Haram and other militant groups.

Army spokesman Kingsley Samuel said in a statement the court martial in Maiduguri in Borno State “concluded the cases of five soldiers bordering on violation of human rights and other operational offences in Operation Lafiya Dole [peace by force]”.

“Lance Cpl. Hilary Joel, who was convicted for murder of a suspected Boko Haram terrorist in Damboa, was sentenced to death. Similarly, the court sentenced Pvt. Chima Samuel, who was convicted for aiding and abetting the murder of a minor, Yakubu Isah, in Maiduguri to 15 years imprisonment,” he added.

Joel had been accused of burning the suspect alive. The statement did not say exactly when the incident took place.

Another soldier, Cpl. Aliu Audu, had his rank reduced to private for assaulting a civilian, while trooper Sunday Ogwuche was given a seven-year term for “stealing and unlawful possession of 641 rounds of 7.62mm,” the statement added.

The rulings are subject to final ratification by the army council; soldiers can also appeal the ruling at a conventional court.