The former aide to ex-President Muhammdu Buhari, Obono Obla (SAN) has stated that it is not the place of the army to investigate a murder case, News About Nigeria reports.
He said this to newsmen on Tuesday, stating that the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) ought to handle investigations into the recent murder of 17 soldiers, and an unconfirmed number of villagers at Okuama in the Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State.
The constitutional lawyer noted that the responsibility of the army, as laid down in the constitution, is to defend the country against external aggression or anything that would compromise the country’s territorial integrity.
He said the accusations against the suspects include the murder of 17 soldiers, adding that the army has no jurisdiction over this.
He further noted that the army can arrest them, but after the arrest, they have to hand them over to the Nigeria Police Force, which has the constitutional and statutory responsibility to detect and prosecute those who have committed crimes.
“Section 4 of the Nigeria Police Force Act 2020 lists the duties of the police force to include prevention and detection of crime, apprehension of offenders, and preservation of law and order.
“The Army is part of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Section 3 of the Armed Forces Act 2004. By section 3 (3), the Armed Forces shall be charged with the defence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by land, sea, and air and with such other duties as the National Assembly may, from time to time, prescribe or direct by an Act,” he stated.
