Major General Umaru Mohammed, formerly the Group Managing Director and Executive Vice Chairman of Nigerian Army Properties Limited, was convicted by the Nigerian Army Special Court Martial. On October 10, 2023, he was sentenced to seven years in prison.
Allegations and Conviction
He was found guilty of 14 out of 18 charges related to stealing funds:
- $2.17 million
- 1.06 billion Naira
The court ordered him to refund these amounts.
Detention Legality
A whistleblowing group alleged that General Mohammed was detained illegally, without a warrant. In response, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) clarified the situation:
- The NCoS is responsible for detaining individuals legally committed by competent courts.
- General Mohammed was detained based on a valid warrant issued by the military court martial.
- Claims of illegal detention by the whistleblowing group were dismissed as false and ignorant of the legal process.
Official Statement
Samson Duza, the Public Relations Officer of NCoS FCT command, emphasized:
- The NCoS only detains those legally interned.
- The call for Mohammed’s release is unfounded and misinformed.
- The public should disregard the group’s claim, as the NCoS ensures the humane custody of all detainees.
Legal Basis
The conviction and detention were carried out under:
- The Criminal Code Act Cap C38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004
- Section 174 of the Armed Forces Act Cap 20, Laws of 2004
General Mohammed’s detention is lawful, following his conviction for embezzlement by a military court, and the Nigerian Correctional Service has affirmed its commitment to legal and humane detainment practices.