On July 4, 2008, hundreds of soldiers who had served as UN peacekeepers in Liberia protested in Akure, Ondo State, against the military authorities' refusal to pay their allowances.
The soldiers, demanding the payment of tens of thousands of dollars in peacekeeping allowances that had been embezzled by some officers, barricaded the busy Lagos-Ibadan-Abuja highway, harassed travelers, and looted shops in the town.
Following the protest, 27 Nigerian soldiers, including four women, were arrested and tried by a military court in Ondo State. They were convicted of mutiny and sentenced to life in prison. According to the Chairman of the court martial, Brigadier-General Ishaya Bauka, the court was convinced that the soldiers had committed mutiny by protesting against the order of their Commanding Officer.
Although one soldier was acquitted, the defense lawyer, Femi Falana, who was obviously displeased with the sentencing announced his intention to appeal against the sentences which are subject to confirmation by the Army Council.
NB: Images were used for illustration purposes only.
Other key events on this day
1. US Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence (US Independence Day) - 1776
2. Two ex-US Presidents, Thomas Jefferson and John Adams died on the same day - 1826
3. Terrorists bomb exploded at the New York World’s Fair - 1940
4. Latvia partisans shot 416 Jews dead - 1941
5. France presented the Statue of Liberty to the United States as a gift - 1884