Army dismisses two soldiers over murder of Islamic cleric, Sheikh Goni

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

The dismissed soldiers include Lance Corporal John Gabriel and Lance Corporal Adamu Gideon.

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.

Lance Corporal John Gabriel and Lance Corporal Adamu Gideon were officially dismissed from the Nigerian Army on August 27, 2022.

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.

Gashua murder

Recall 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 Channels Television 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.

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

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the murder.