The Nigerian Army Court Martial has fixed Tuesday, 10th of October 2023 to read out its sentences for the accused former Group Managing Director and Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Army Properties Limited, Major General Umar Mohammed.
The Special panel headed by Major General James Myam found the Army Officer guilty of 14 out of 18 count charge bordering on forgery, misappropriation of funds, conspiracy, unauthorized diversion of Army property among others.
Delivering his judgement, General Myam noted that: On counts 1 to 6 involving misappropriation of money from ship owners at marina, Lagos, Major General UM Mohammed was found guilty. Count 8 that involves Forgery of document titled Board of Directors Resolution of Nigerian Army Properties Limited, the General was found guilty and in Count 9 which is the neglect to prevent felony, the accused was also found guilty”
The panel also held that “Count 10 which was on Conspiracy to forge document also found the general guilty.”
The panel also found the accused General guilty of Selling the company’s property while no longer serving at Army Properties Ltd for N200m in count 12. In Count 13 the court found him guilty of dishonestly taking N74m from the company’s account on August 22, 2019.
Meanwhile, the panel cleared him on Count 11 and Count 17, where the general was accused of withdrawing N750m from the company’s account. According to the panel, the prosecution failed to prove their allegation beyond reasonable doubt.
“On count 11 where the accused stood trial for forgery, he was found not guilty. Count 7 involving Criminal conspiracy to commit forgery of Document titled: Board of Directors resolution, he was found not guilty. On count 10 which border Conspiracy to forge document, the accused was found not guilty.”
It will be recalled that the accused who is being defended by a legal team of two Senior Advocates of Nigeria and six lawyers, including a retired military officer was indicted by a military Police investigation and recommended for trial.
However, General Umar Mohammed pleaded not guilty to all the charge levelled against him.
The court Martial Panel which has seven (7) members from the rank of Major Generals stated that it will deliver its sentences on Tuesday, 10th October 2023.
