Buratai Hails Authors of Military Law Book, Describes It as Landmark Contribution to Military Justice

Buratai Hails Authors of Military Law Book, Describes It as Landmark Contribution to Military Justice

By Ayshatu S. Rabo

Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), CFR, has described the newly launched legal publication “Annotation of Cases on Court Martial” as a landmark contribution to the development of military jurisprudence in Nigeria.

Buratai gave the commendation on Thursday at the official presentation of the book, co-authored by Maj. Gen. Mahmood Umaru Wambai (mni) and Ali Ibrahim Omachi, Esq., held at the Army Officers’ Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja.

The retired Army Chief, who chaired the occasion, said the book represents a vital addition to military legal literature and a testament to the authors’ dedication to justice and discipline within the Armed Forces.

“I witnessed General Wambai’s commitment firsthand as my Director of Legal Services (Army), where his expertise played a key role in maintaining discipline and enhancing operational effectiveness,” Buratai noted.

He traced the evolution of Nigeria’s court martial system from its colonial origins to the present democratic era, noting that while military discipline remains essential, it must now align with constitutional rights and judicial oversight.

Buratai emphasised that a fair and transparent military justice system is the foundation of a disciplined armed force and a stable democracy.

According to him, “Transparent court martial processes not only uphold discipline but also build public trust and strengthen civil-military relations.”

The former Army Chief also commended the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Body of Benchers, and the Council of Legal Education for their roles in strengthening military justice. He particularly appreciated the efforts of former NBA President, Austin Alegeh, SAN, and the Director-General of the Nigerian Law School, Prof. Isa Chiroma, SAN.

Buratai lauded the current leadership of the Armed Forces under the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, OFR, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for their professionalism and commitment to national security.

He urged officers, scholars, and legal practitioners to obtain copies of the book, describing it as a valuable guide for advancing understanding of military law and justice administration in Nigeria.

The event attracted top military commanders, legal luminaries, and dignitaries, including the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, who served as the Special Guest of Honour; Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, who was the Chief Host; and businessman Alhaji Umar A. Mustapha, CEO of UFAM Holdings, who served as Chief Launcher.

Others in attendance included Prof. Akinseye George, SAN, who reviewed the book; former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya (rtd); and former Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, CON, SAN.

In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff commended the authors for producing a scholarly work that strengthens understanding of military law, describing the court martial process as a corrective tool aimed at promoting accountability and discipline in the Armed Forces.

“Court martial is not meant to punish but to correct and preserve discipline in the soul of the military,” Gen. Musa said.

Co-author Maj. Gen. Wambai, in his welcome address, said the book was inspired by the need to clarify misconceptions and reduce technical errors that often lead to court martial judgments being overturned on appeal.

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He added that the publication will serve as a lasting reference for military officers, legal experts, and scholars interested in the evolving landscape of military justice in Nigeria.

The event concluded with a toast to unity, professionalism, and continued excellence within the Nigerian Armed Forces.

Buratai Hails Authors of Military Law Book, Describes It as Landmark Contribution to Military Justice