Former Nigerian Army Properties Chief Found Guilty of Multi-Million Dollar Scandal in Landmark Court Martial

A special Court Martial convened by the Nigerian Army has delivered a verdict of guilt in 14 out of 18 counts against Major General Umar Muazu Mohammed, the former Group Managing Director and Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Army Properties Limited.

The charges against Major General Mohammed included a range of offenses such as theft, forgery, conspiracy, unauthorized diversion of Army property, and more, all of which contravene service laws.

Among the most significant charges was the misappropriation of $1.045 million in funds paid by shipping companies for the use of the Nigerian Army Jetty in Lagos.

Major General Mohammed was also found guilty of stealing $430,800 from the Nigerian Army Domiciliary account at Unity Bank, Abuja, meant for the Nigerian Army Jetty in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Additionally, he was convicted of misappropriating N74 million out of N75 million meant for an Army property in Ikoyi, Lagos.

However, the court acquitted Major General Mohammed of charges related to the sale of Army property worth N200 million in Lagos and the theft of N750 million from contributions for an Army housing estate in Abuja.

He was also cleared of charges related to forging a Deed of Agreement document.

The Special Court Martial, presided over by Major General Kames Myam and comprising eight other high-ranking officers, is set to announce the sentencing of the accused next week.

Major General Mohammed, who appeared in court in a wheelchair, was declared fit for trial following thorough medical examinations.

The case, prosecuted by Col. BA Oguntayo (Rtd), and defended by Olalekan Ojo, SAN, marks a significant step in addressing corruption within the Nigerian Army and upholding the rule of law.