.jpg)
has ordered the dismissal of four members of the Brigade of Guards accused of
raping women in Abuja recently.
Also, palpable
apprehension has enveloped generals in the army as plans have been concluded for an
imminent shake-up in army formations. The changes may be announced today.
The four soldiers found guilty of raping women in
the Federal Capital Territory were dismissed from the Army yesterday after a
military trial.
A major attached to the Guards Brigade, Peter Elayo
who spoke on behalf of the Brigade Commander, said a board of enquiry set up to
investigate the allegations indicted the dismissed officers.
According to him, “the soldiers were found to have
committed criminal acts involving rape and extortion and would be hand handed
over to the police for prosecution.
“The soldiers have consequently been dismissed from
the service in line with service discipline and procedure,” he said.
Some members of the public had petitioned the House
of Representatives over the matter and the House in turn mandated its Committee
on Justice to investigate the alleged abuse.
When our correspondent asked for the reaction of
the outgoing spokesman of the Army, Major-General Mobolaji Koleosho he
confirmed the story and said there would not be any cover-up as the four
soldiers were dismissed after they were found guilty by the panel.
‘‘There was no cover-up. The matter has been
brought to the chief of army staff and immediately he caused those that were
involved to be arrested and tried and they have been found guilty, and I can
assure you they will all be dismissed from the Army. We have no room for such
people in our career.’’
Source: Leadership
