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Sixty soldiers are facing the possibility of bagging death sentences as they are arraigned before a General Court Martial in Abuja for alleged mutiny.

A 12pm news bulletin by Rhythm FM Lagos said the court martial starts today for the mutiny allegedly committed by the accused on August 4, 2014 by refusing to join troops in Maiduguri for an operation in connection with the on-going war against Boko Haram terrorists in the country’s North-East.

The report said that the soldiers, comprising two corporals, nine lance corporals and 49 privates, are to be arraigned on two counts of conspiracy to commit mutiny.

The accused reportedly committed the offences at the Mulai Primary School, opposite African Independent Television in Maiduguri, Borno State on August 4, 2014 by refusing to join “III SF Bn troops” led by Col. E.A. Aladeniyi to Maimalari Barracks in connection with an operation.

According to the charge sheet, the soldiers “conspired to commit mutiny against the authority of 7 Division,” an offence said to be punishable under Section 91(1) of the Penal Code Cap P89 LFN 2004.

The soldiers were also accused of committing mutiny which is said to be punishable under Section 52(1)(a) of the AFA CAP A20 LFN 2004.

The charges are said to be triable in the GCM under Section 114 of the AFA Cap A20 LFN 2004 and punishable under Section 91(1) of the Penal Code Cap P89 LFN 2004.

News Express recalls that a court martial presided over by Brig-Gen C. C. Okonkwo had in the night of September 15 sentenced 12 soldiers to death for mutiny. Four soldiers were also discharged and acquitted while one soldier was sentenced to 28 days imprisonment with hard labour.

The soldiers were arraigned before the court martial on a six-count charge of criminal conspiracy to commit mutiny, disobeying lawful orders and various acts inimical to military service.

•Photo shows a court martial in session.

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