A former senior officer of the Nigerian Army, Major General U.M. Mohammed (retd.), has taken his legal fight to the Supreme Court in a bid to overturn parts of a judgment delivered by the Court of Appeal on February 9, 2026.
Mohammed is challenging aspects of the appellate court’s ruling after his earlier appeal against a conviction handed down by a Special Court Martial only achieved partial success. The appeal court had reviewed the case but upheld key elements of the verdict that found the retired general guilty.
The case stems from allegations that Mohammed misappropriated funds belonging to Nigerian Army Properties Limited, a private limited liability company established with the Nigerian Army as its sole promoter. Mohammed was one of the shareholders in the firm and also served as its Managing Director during the period under investigation.
The Special Court Martial, convened by the Army Headquarters Garrison, had previously found him guilty and imposed a sentence over the alleged financial misconduct. Dissatisfied with the outcome, the former military officer approached the Court of Appeal, seeking to overturn the decision. However, the appellate court only granted partial relief, leaving some parts of the original judgment intact.
In his defence, Mohammed insisted that all financial decisions made during his tenure at the company were carried out under the directives of the then Chief of Army Staff, who also served as chairman of the company. According to him, the expenditures in question were executed strictly in line with instructions from superior authorities.
He argued that the responsibility for the decisions should not rest solely on him, claiming that those who allegedly authorised the transactions have not been held accountable.
Drawing a comparison to a well-known remark made by former Transport Minister Umaru Dikko following the 1983 military coup, Mohammed described his situation as unfair.
“It is like when a bus driver is involved in a traffic accident, yet instead of holding the driver responsible, the authorities go after the conductor,” he said.
The retired general further alleged that the circumstances surrounding his prosecution suggested possible intrigue and a targeted effort to single him out.
Confident that the apex court will provide him with a fair hearing, Mohammed said he believes the Supreme Court will ultimately clear his name and correct what he considers an injustice.
As part of the legal process, he has filed a Motion for Leave to Appeal at the Supreme Court. The application, registered under case number CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CR/174MI/2026, seeks to nullify portions of the Court of Appeal’s decision and overturn the earlier judgment delivered by the Special Court Martial.
Meanwhile, members of Mohammed’s legal team have declined to make detailed comments on the matter, explaining that the case is currently sub judice, meaning it is pending before a competent court and therefore not open to public discussion.
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