In a heartfelt appeal, veterans of the Nigerian Army sentenced for mutiny in 2014 are calling on authorities to resolve outstanding entitlements and release withheld discharge certificates, following a presidential pardon. Despite the pardon, these former soldiers report ongoing struggles to obtain their post-service benefits. With legal backing from prominent lawyer SAN Femi Falana, the veterans seek public support to address their prolonged hardships.
The issue dates back to 2014 in Maiduguri, where 70 soldiers raised concerns about inadequate equipment while battling Boko Haram insurgents. Instead of addressing the resource issues, military authorities charged them with mutiny, subjecting them to a general court-martial at Army Headquarters in Abuja. The trial resulted in death sentences by firing squad, sparking widespread attention and concern.
Defended by SAN Femi Falana, the soldiers’ sentences were reduced to 10 years in prison in 2015. Transferred to Kirikiri prison, they served their terms fully and were released in August 2021. However, upon release, they faced new challenges: the Nigerian Army reportedly withheld both their entitlements and discharge certificates.
Since the court-martial, SAN Falana has been advocating for the soldiers, ultimately securing a presidential pardon from former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022. This pardon included these 70 soldiers among 159 individuals, notably alongside General EA Ransome-Kuti and two former state governors.
Yet, the veterans allege disparities in the pardon’s implementation. While General Kuti promptly received his entitlements, the lower-ranking veterans continue to wait. “Why are we still awaiting our entitlements while General Kuti has received his?” one soldier lamented, questioning if their junior rank accounts for the delayed payment.
Unable to move forward, the veterans have turned to the “Ordinary President” of Human Rights Radio, a prominent human rights advocate, for assistance. Without discharge certificates, they face barriers to employment and continued stigma despite the pardon, which they argue should entitle them to reinstatement and accrued benefits.
The group expressed gratitude to former President Buhari for the pardon and praised SAN Falana and leaders like Muric’s Akintola for their unwavering support. However, they now appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Army Chief Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, urging equitable treatment. “We have all the evidence that General Kuti, pardoned alongside us, has been fully paid. We request the same consideration,” they said.
Amid economic challenges, the veterans also highlighted their financial struggles, explaining that delayed benefits have left them unable to support their families or fund their children’s education. “We hope our plight will receive due attention, as we simply seek what is rightfully ours,” they pleaded.
The veterans urge the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), and National Security Adviser (NSA) to address the unresolved issues of their withheld benefits and discharge certificates. They emphasize that the Army’s refusal to release their entitlements has prolonged their hardship, affecting their reintegration into society and ability to secure jobs. The veterans voiced disappointment that, while senior officers like General EA Ransome-Kuti have received their benefits, they remain marginalized.
In their appeal, the former soldiers stress the need for fair treatment and a swift resolution. They remind military leadership of their sacrifices during the Boko Haram insurgency, a mission undertaken despite limited resources. The veterans contend that, in line with their presidential pardon, they are entitled to full discharge rights, including financial benefits and removal of dismissal records. They believe that by addressing this issue, the military leadership, alongside the NSA and CDS, can set a precedent for justice and honor, ensuring fair treatment for all ranks within the armed forces.
With the unwavering support of SAN Falana, the soldiers remain committed to securing their post-service rights and seeing their presidential pardon fully enforced.
