Nigerian Major General Sent To Jail For Stealing

Nigerian Major General Sent To Jail For Stealing

A Nigerian Army Special Court-martial in Abuja has reached a verdict in the case of former Group Managing Director of Nigerian Army Properties Limited, Maj.-Gen. Umar Mohammed. He has been found guilty of embezzling funds belonging to the organization.

The court convicted him on 14 out of 18 charges, including forgery, misappropriation of funds, and conspiracy. At the start of the trial, Mohammed had entered a plea of not guilty to all the charges leveled against him.

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During the proceedings, the prosecution presented 24 witnesses, while the defendant called two witnesses to testify on his behalf. The eight-member panel, presided over by Maj.-Gen. James Myam, delivered its judgment, imposing varying sentences. Some offenses carried 5, 7, and 2 years in jail, with the court ordering that the sentences run concurrently.

Additionally, the court directed Mohammed to refund a specified sum into the account of Nigerian Army Property Limited (NAPL). It’s important to note that these sentences are subject to confirmation by the relevant authority. Prior to the sentencing, Mohammed had been detained in the military facility at Mogadishu cantonment, Abuja, for over 2 years.

This verdict marks a significant development in the case, shedding light on financial improprieties within the Nigerian Army Properties Limited. It underscores the military’s commitment to accountability and upholding the rule of law, even amongst its own ranks. The outcome also serves as a stern warning to those entrusted with public funds, emphasizing the consequences of financial misconduct and misappropriation.

Myam said, “General Umar Mohammed was guilty of 14-count charges out of 18 counts and the findings are as follows: Count 1: Stealing: 5 years imprisonment, and he must return a total sum of $1,045,400.000 dollars to NAPL account.

“Count 2: Stealing: He was found guilty. Punishment: 5 years imprisonment. He must return $480,000 dollars to NAPL. Count 3: Stealing: 5 years imprisonment and he is to return $85,400 dollars to NAPL.

“Count 4: Stealing: 5 years imprisonment and he is to return the sum of $35,300 only to NAPL. Count 5: Stealing: 5 years imprisonment and to return the sum of N55,500 dollars to NAPL.

“Count 6: Stealing and is sentenced to 5 years imprisonment. This is in line with 174 of the Armed Forces Act Cap 8 120 and he shall pay $46,500 only to NAPL. Count 7: Criminal conspiracy to commit forgery (Not Guilty) Discharged and acquitted. Court 8: Forgery (Guilty) sentenced to 7 years imprisonment.

“Count 9: Offence is theft and it is guilty and sentenced to 5 years imprisonment. The special court-martial relying on 174 Ordered $430,800 to NAPL. Count 10: Conspiracy to forge document (Not Guilty) discharged and acquitted on count 10.”

Myam clarified that the first charge was brought under section 383(1) of the Criminal Code Act Cap c38 of the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This offense is punishable under section 390 (7) of the same code. He further noted that the charge was also filed in accordance with section 114 of the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 2004.

The panel detailed that the prosecution presented a total of 24 witnesses, while the defendant called upon two witnesses in their defense. Regarding the sentences, Myam clarified that they would be served concurrently, with the provision that they are subject to confirmation by the “confirming authority” (Army Council).

Following the judgment, Defence Counsel Olalekan Ojo (SAN) made an oral application requesting that the convicted senior officer be transferred to the Kuje Correctional Facility, rather than remain in military detention. However, the court rejected this application.