A former Group Managing Director of Nigerian Army Properties Limited (NAPL), Umar Mohammed, has moved to challenge his conviction for alleged stealing and misappropriation of company funds at the Supreme Court.
Mohammed had earlier appealed the judgment of a Special Court Martial convened by the Nigerian Army, which found him guilty and sentenced him over financial transactions involving funds belonging to NAPL, a private company established by the Army.
The retired officer served as Managing Director of the company during the tenure of a former Chief of Army Staff, who also acted as chairman of the organisation. According to him, his responsibilities included implementing directives and approvals issued by the army chief regarding financial transactions and expenditures.
In a statement issued on Monday, Mohammed described the trial as unfair, arguing that he merely executed instructions from superior authorities. He likened his situation to blaming a bus conductor for an accident instead of the driver, suggesting that those who authorised the transactions were not held accountable.
Mohammed also alleged that the trial was driven by intrigue and a witch-hunt, expressing confidence that the Supreme Court would overturn the conviction and clear his name.
He further questioned attempts by the Nigerian Army to enforce orders relating to accounts linked to his Bank Verification Number (BVN), insisting that the court martial did not issue such directives or order any form of restitution.
Court documents show that Mohammed has filed a motion seeking leave to appeal the judgment of the Court of Appeal in case number CA/ABJ/PRE/ROA/CR/174MI/2026. He is asking the apex court to set aside parts of the appellate ruling and nullify the verdict of the Special Court Martial.
The Court of Appeal had earlier affirmed his conviction and sentencing, dismissing his challenge to the jurisdiction of the military tribunal that tried the case.
Mohammed was initially tried and convicted by the Special Court Martial on October 10, 2023, for offences relating to stealing and criminal misappropriation of funds belonging to Nigerian Army Properties Limited.
