By Aiyeku Timothy
A Court Martial sitting in Abuja has convicted the former Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi.
Delivering the judgement after finding him guilty of violating military social media guidelines, the tribunal on Monday ordered his demotion by at least three years.
In a video that went viral about eight months ago, Maj. Gen. Olusegun Adeniyi complained about a lack of military equipment to combat Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East.
He complained that insurgents were outgunning troops as he lamented the failure of intelligence following an attack by insurgents that claimed dozens of soldiers.
Adeniyi’s aide, Private Tokunbo Obanla, was also prosecuted and was also found guilty. He will serve a jail sentence of 28 days with hard labour.
However, both convictions are subject to confirmation by the military authorities, according to reports.
Sources said Adeniyi pleaded guilty to three-count of unlawful use of social media, and damage to service property amongst other issues.
The major-general has since been removed from the front and also suspended by the military authorities before charges were filed against him.
Adeniyi claimed he did not leak the video, adding that his phone was in Obanla’s custody at the time of the incident.
Obanla had in his statement allegedly admitted to posting the video on social media in error.
Adeniyi’s lawyers have vowed to appeal the judgment.
