The facts leading to the Appeal is that Major General H.O. Otiki, the former General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Sokoto, was accused and Court Martialed over the movement of ₦100 million on 11 July 2019, meant for the purchase of furniture for renovated military quarters but stolen by the soldiers directed to move the money and who have deserted the army.
On the 16th of June 2020, a General Court Martial convicted him on all counts and sentenced him to dismissal from the Nigerian Army with disgrace and dishonour, reduction in rank from Major General to Brigadier General, and severe reprimand. The findings and sentence were subsequently confirmed by the Army Council on 24 November 2020.
Not satisfied with the decision of the General Court Martial (GCM), Major General Otiki appealed to the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division in CA/ABJ/CR/54/2022. In a judgment of Court of Appeal delivered on 5th of December, 2024, it allowed the appeal, nullified the entire proceedings and judgment of the General Court Martial, discharged and acquitted Major General Otiki, restored him to the rank of Major General, and ordered payment of all his salaries, allowances, entitlements, and refund of forfeited monies.
Disatisfied with the Judgement of the Court of Appeal, the Nigerian Army challenged it at the Supreme Court in SC/CR/96/2025. The Supreme Court in a unanimous decision of five man Panel delivered on Friday,15th May, 2026, affirmed the decision of the Court of Appeal and dismissed the appeal in favour of General Hakeem Oladapo Otiki.
