Military Demotes Maj. Gen Adeniyi Over Leaked Video Of Poor Conditions

A military court in Abuja has convicted Olusegun Adeniyi, a Major General and former theatre commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, and demoted him by  three years.

In March, a video was leaked online of the then theatre commander of the counter insurgency Operation Lafiya Dole briefing a senior officer about the conditions of troops and challenges advancing into the dreaded Alagarno forest area.

The location is where about 100 Nigerian soldiers were killed by ISWAP in a recent ambush.

Adeniyi was subsequently removed as commander of Operation Lafiya Dole and transferred to the Nigerian Army Resource Centre in Abuja.

The army, however, claimed Adeniyi’s redeployment was a routine exercise intended to reinvigorate the system.

Ruling on his case on Monday, the military tribunal found Adeniyi guilty of violating military social media guidelines and ordered that he be demoted by at least three years.

Tokunbo Obanla, Adeniyi’s military aide, who was prosecuted alongside the general, was also found guilty and sentenced to 28 days in jail with hard labour.

Obanla, whom Adeniyi said was in possession of his phone at the time of the incident, reportedly admitted to posting the video on social media in error.

Both convictions are subject to confirmation by the military board before it can take effect.

Adeniyi’s lawyers said they would appeal the tribunal judgement before higher military authorities.