The Supreme Court has upheld the acquittal of former Nigerian Army General, Hakeem Otiki, bringing an end to a high-profile legal battle that has lasted for years.
In a unanimous ruling delivered by a five-member panel, the apex court dismissed the Nigerian Army’s appeal and affirmed the earlier judgment of the Court of Appeal, which cleared the dismissed officer of all charges.
Otiki, who once served as the General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 8 Division in Sokoto, was previously convicted by a General Court Martial in 2020 over the controversial disappearance of N100 million reportedly meant for military operations and logistics. The military tribunal had sentenced him to dismissal with disgrace and reduced his rank from Major General to Brigadier General.
However, the Court of Appeal overturned the conviction in December 2024, ruling that the entire court martial proceedings were flawed. The appellate court not only discharged and acquitted Otiki but also restored his rank and ordered the payment of his salaries, allowances, and other entitlements.
Unhappy with the decision, the Nigerian Army approached the Supreme Court seeking to reverse the acquittal. But the apex court has now affirmed the lower court’s judgment, effectively ending the case in Otiki’s favour.
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