By: Mandy Park
The Court of Appeal of Nigeria has affirmed the conviction and prison sentence handed down to a former senior officer of the Nigerian Army, Major General Umar Mohammed, for the diversion of billions of naira belonging to the army’s property company.
In a judgment delivered on Tuesday, the appellate court upheld the earlier decision of the trial court which found the retired general guilty of fraud and abuse of office in connection with funds belonging to the Nigerian Army Properties Limited.
The court held that the prosecution had successfully established that the former military officer misappropriated large sums of money meant for property development and other investments managed by the army’s property company.
It ruled that the evidence presented during the trial clearly showed that the funds were unlawfully diverted for purposes outside the mandate of the company.
The appellate court consequently dismissed Mohammed’s appeal, describing it as lacking merit, and affirmed the custodial sentence earlier imposed by the lower court.
Major General Mohammed, who once served in a senior administrative capacity within the Nigerian Army’s property management structure, had been prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The anti-graft agency accused him of diverting billions of naira generated from property sales and investments managed by Nigerian Army Properties Limited. Investigators alleged that the funds were siphoned through a network of accounts and unauthorised transactions, depriving the organisation of resources meant for housing projects and welfare schemes for military personnel.
During the trial, the prosecution presented documentary evidence and witness testimonies detailing how the funds were allegedly misapplied. The court found that the actions of the former general constituted criminal breach of trust and financial misconduct.
Legal analysts say the appellate ruling reinforces the judiciary’s stance against corruption within public institutions, particularly within the security sector.
The EFCC welcomed the judgment, noting that it sends a strong message that no public official, regardless of rank or status, is above the law.
Anti-corruption advocates have also described the decision as a significant step toward strengthening accountability in the management of public funds within government agencies and military institutions.
