Abuja: The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has emphasized that the purpose of the court martial system within the Armed Forces is corrective rather than punitive. This statement was made during the public presentation of the book 'Annotation of Cases on Court Martial,' co-authored by Maj.-Gen. Mahmood Wambai and Ali Omachi, Esq.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Gen. Musa highlighted that the military justice system is designed to uphold fairness and maintain the discipline necessary for effective national defense. He reiterated that the court martial process is a vital tool for enforcing service laws, ensuring that its primary goal is to correct and preserve discipline within the armed forces, thus ensuring they remain combat-ready and professionally accountable.
Musa acknowledged the authors' contribution to military jurisprudence by producing a scholarly work that deepens the understanding of military law and supports ongoing reforms in the armed forces' justice administration. Former Chief of Army Staff, retired Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, also praised the book, describing it as a significant milestone in Nigeria's military jurisprudence. He noted that a credible military justice system is crucial for operational efficiency and public confidence, emphasizing that the court martial system is fundamental to military discipline and professionalism.
The former Nigerian Ambassador to Benin Republic referenced landmark cases like Eweka v. Nigerian Army and Gideon Uweri v. Nigerian Army, which continue to influence Nigeria's military legal framework. Maj.-Gen. Wambai, one of the authors, explained that the book aims to address misconceptions and technical errors that often result in appellate courts overturning court martial decisions. He stressed the importance of a well-understood court martial process in safeguarding military discipline and integrity.
Co-author Ali Omachi, a private legal practitioner, stated that the book offers detailed commentary on appeal court decisions involving court martial cases, identifying gaps that have historically weakened military trials. Omachi highlighted that the book serves as a comprehensive resource for judges, military legal officers, and scholars dedicated to advancing justice and discipline in the armed forces.