ALLAFRICA

Abuja — Indications emerged weekend that the Nigerian Army authorities have concluded arrangements to Court Martial two officers -- Brigadier-General F. A. Mohammed, Managing Director of its Post Housing Limited, PHL, and Colonel G. E. Udegbe, Project Manager of its Post Service Homes for fraudulent practices estimated at N4. 5 billion.

The decision to Court Martial the two officers followed the conclusions of a Military Police investigation team and indictment by a board of inquiry, BoI, set by the Army High Command and subsequent conclusion of its investigations showing the two officers allegedly connived and siphoned huge sums of money contributed by serving military officers and the general public for the purchase of houses under PHL scheme.

The court martial which is expected to commence any moment from now, is coming on the heels a statement by the army authorities informing counsel to Gen. Mohammed and Col. Udegbe that the status of a military personnel or officer is governed by the doctrine of military law and the ordinary civil law of the land; Doctrine of Compact.

The statement which was signed by Col. Usman Abdul for the Directorate of Public Relations was titled, "Re: Lawyer faukts Army on detained officers," added that: "Let it be known that the Nigerian Army is committed to the observance and promotion of the rules of law, fundamental human rights, fair-hearing and accountability and, therefore, cannot succumb to blackmail and propaganda."