The former Group Managing Director of Nigerian Army Properties Limited (NAPL), Major General Umar Mallam Mohammed (retired) has headed to the Supreme Court to challenge the decision of the Appellate Court on his conviction and asset forfeiture by a Special Court Martial.
In a judgement delivered on February 9, 2026, the Appeal Court had affirmed the decision of the Army Headquarters Garrison (AHQ Gar) that convicted and sentenced him on allegations of misappropriation of funds belonging to NAPL, a Private Limited Liability Company with the Nigerian Army as only a promoter and which incidentally the Ex-General was one of the Shareholders.
Mohammed who served as the MD of the said company worked under the then Chief of Army Staff, who doubled as the Chairman and Managing Director taking directives and orders from over every expense made and money spent.
However, reacting to the recent development concerning the issue at the court, the retired Major General likened his trial to the statement credited to one-time Minister of Transport, Alhaji Umaru Dikko.
He said that after the 1983 Coup detat, Dikko 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 Mohammed guilty while the person who gave the orders and directives is enjoying liberty and freedom.
According to him, he believes that the trial is characterised by intrigue and witch-hunt and believes that he is going to get justice and clear his name.
Hence, the reason for appealing his conviction to the highest court in the land.
What is even more intriguing is the fact that the Nigerian Army is seeking to enforce an 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.
Also, details available showed that the retired 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.
In the motion, he asked 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.
Also, Mohammed’s legal team has declined to speak on the issue stating that the matter is sub-judice, that is, before a court of competent jurisdiction for consideration.