The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) yesterday, commenced the General Court
Martial (GCM) trial of Aircraftman Kalu Bernard, who allegedly shot and
killed Aircraftwoman, Oladipupo Sholape on 12 March 2017 at the NAF
Base, Makurdi. The court martial, which was inaugurated today, consists
of a President and 6 other members in addition to a judge advocate and 2
waiting members. Present at the inauguration were also the convening
officer, prosecuting officers, 2 defence counsels representing the
accused, witnesses and some members of the Press.
The
President of the GCM, Group Captain Elisha Philip Bindul, while
inaugurating the military court at 101 Air Defence Group Makurdi, gave a
comprehensive breakdown of the trial procedures as well as the rules
and regulations to be observed during the trial. The highlight of the
trial was the reading of the charges levelled against the accused,
Aircraftman Kalu Bernard and the plea by the Defence Counsel for time to
study the charges and other documents. The GCM was subsequently
adjourned to 2 June 2017 for further hearing on the case.
The
inauguration of the court martial, which is part of the formal law chain
in the Military, is coming up after a series of procedures as enshrined
in the Armed Forces Act 105 of 1993 as amended. The NAF is apparently
poised to ensure that justice is served to all concerned parties in the
matter.