Supreme Court Nullifies Military Conviction of Former GOC Hakeem Otiki

The Supreme Court of Nigeria has affirmed the judgment of the Court of Appeal which set aside the conviction and sentence of Major General Hakeem Oladapo Otiki, bringing a final end to the long-running legal battle between the retired officer and the Nigerian Army.

Otiki, a former General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 8 Division, Sokoto, was initially court-martialed over allegations relating to the movement of ₦100 million on 11 July 2019. The funds were reportedly earmarked for the purchase of furniture for renovated military quarters but were allegedly stolen by some soldiers under circumstances linked to his command.

On 16 June 2020, a General Court Martial found Otiki guilty on all charges and sentenced him to dismissal from the Nigerian Army with disgrace and dishonour. He was also reduced in rank from Major General to Brigadier General and issued a severe reprimand. The findings and sentence were later confirmed by the Army Council on 24 November 2020.

Dissatisfied with the ruling, Otiki appealed to the Court of Appeal in Abuja in case number CA/ABJ/CR/54/2022. On 5 December 2024, the appellate court allowed his appeal, nullified the court martial proceedings, and discharged and acquitted him of all charges. The court also ordered his reinstatement to the rank of Major General, alongside payment of all salaries, allowances, entitlements, and refunds of forfeited sums.

The Nigerian Army, however, proceeded to challenge the decision at the Supreme Court in SC/CR/96/2025.

In a unanimous decision delivered on Friday, 15 May 2026, a five-member panel of the Supreme Court dismissed the Army’s appeal and upheld the Court of Appeal’s judgment in its entirety. The ruling effectively restored Otiki’s acquittal and reaffirmed his full military rank and entitlements.

The judgment marks the conclusion of a case that has spanned several years and traversed the military tribunal system up to Nigeria’s highest court.