Maj.-Gen. Umar Mohammed, previously the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian Army Properties Limited, has been sentenced to seven years in prison for his involvement in the misappropriation of $2,178,900 and N1.65 billion.
The verdict was delivered by the Nigerian Army Special Court-martial in Abuja on Tuesday, October 10, as reported by The Nation.
Maj.-Gen. Umar Mohammed faced a total of 18 charges, and the court found him guilty on 14 of these counts, leading to his sentencing. He had previously pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The judgment was rendered by Maj.-Gen. James Myam, who headed the eight-member panel. The charges against Mohammed included offenses brought under section 383(1) of the Criminal Code Act Cap c38 law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Furthermore, the panel ruled that these offenses were punishable under section 390 (7) and were also aligned with section 114 of the Armed Forces Act Cap A20 2004.
During the course of the trial, the prosecuting counsel called upon 24 witnesses to present their testimony, while the defense counsel called only two witnesses.
The sentencing highlights the Nigerian government’s commitment to addressing corruption and financial improprieties, even within the ranks of the military.
