Supreme Court confirms acquittal of ex-army officer Hakeem Otiki
Former General Officer Commanding, 8 Division, Sokoto, Hakeem Otiki, has been acquitted by the Supreme Court. The apex court upheld the Court of Appeal’s decision, which nullified his conviction and sentence by a General Court Martial. The case stemmed from an incident involving missing funds during his tenure as GOC. Otiki was previously convicted and dismissed but has now been fully discharged and reinstated.
What happened
- The Supreme Court affirmed the Court of Appeal’s judgment that discharged and acquitted Hakeem Otiki.
- The case began after an incident in July 2019, when Otiki allegedly directed soldiers to transport N100m, which later went missing.
- On June 16, 2020, a military tribunal convicted Otiki, dismissed him, and reduced his rank.
- The Army Council confirmed the findings and sentence on November 24, 2020.
- The Court of Appeal, in its judgment delivered on December 5, 2024, nullified the proceedings, restored Otiki to the rank of Major General, and ordered payment of all entitlements.
