After what appears like a stalemate at the Court of Appeal, Ex-Major General UM Mohammed has headed to the Supreme Court challenging the decision of the Appellate Court delivered on the 9th day of February, 2026. The senior officer’s appeal at the Court Appeal challenging his conviction by a Special Court Martial only succeeded in part before the Three man Panel.
Gen UM Mohammed had appealed the Judgment of the Special Court Martial by the Army Headquarters Garrison (AHQ Gar) that convicted and sentenced him on allegations of misappropriation of funds belonging to a Private Limited Liability Company, Nigerian Army Properties Limited (NAPL) with the Nigerian Army as only a Promoter and which incidentally the Ex-General was one of the Shareholders. The Ex-General who worked as the Managing Director of the said company worked under the then Chief of Army Staff, who doubled as the Chairman Managing Director taking directives and orders from over every expenses made and moneys spent. When asked by the reporter on the specifics, the Ex General likened his trial to the statement credited to one time Minister of Transport, Alhaji Umaru Dikko after the 1983 Coup detat while responding to his detention, trial and conviction; he stated, “It is like when a bus driver is involved in a traffic accident, you leave the driver and hold the Conductor (Driver’s mate) responsible”.
The Special Court Martial found the Ex-General guilty while the person who gave the orders and directive is enjoying liberty and freedom. He feels that the trial is characterized by intrigue and witch-hunt and believes that he is going to get justice and clear his name. This is the reason he is appealing to the highest Court in the land.
What is even more intriguing is the fact that the Nigerian Army is seeking to enforce order that was not made by its own Court, the Special Court Martial in relation to accounts linked to his Bank Verification Number (BVN), without consequential orders of restitution .
Information available showed that the Ex-General has filed a Motion for Leave to Appeal the decision of the Court of Appeal with Motion NO: CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CR/174MI/2026 asking the Supreme Court to set aside part of the Judgment of the Court of Appeal and to nullify the judgment of the Special Court Martial.
However, the legal team of the Ex-General declined to speak to the media saying that the matter is sub-judice, that is, before a Court of competent jurisdiction for consideration.
