Justice H.H. Kereng of the Gombe State High Court has convicted and sentenced Magistrate Mohammad Suleiman Kumo to two years and six months’ imprisonment for bribery, with an option of a ₦250,000 fine. In addition, the court ordered him to pay ₦500,000 as compensation to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for the cost of investigation and prosecution.
Kumo was arraigned on 3 December 2025 on a three-count charge of bribery by the EFCC’s Gombe Zonal Directorate.
On 30 December 2025, his counsel, Adamu Bawa, filed a preliminary objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that as a judicial officer, any misconduct should be referred to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
EFCC counsel, A. Aliyu, countered that a magistrate is not a judicial officer within the meaning of Section 318(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
On 17 February 2026, Justice Kereng upheld the EFCC’s submission, affirming jurisdiction.
Count one alleged that Kumo, while serving as a magistrate at the Chief Magistrate Court, Pantami, received ₦1,000,000 through a registrar’s account on 6 November 2024, contrary to Section 10(a)(i)(ii) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Initially, Kumo pleaded not guilty. However, at the resumed sitting on 5 May 2026, he changed his plea to guilty.
Justice Kereng, in convicting the defendant, emphasized the gravity of corruption within the judiciary, stating that the offence was punishable under Section 10(a)(i)(ii) of the Act. The court accepted the prosecution’s request for compensation, holding that ₦500,000 was not excessive given the resources expended in the investigation and trial.
He also sentenced Kumo to two years and six months’ imprisonment, with an option of ₦250,000 fine and ordered him to pay the sum of ₦500,000 as compensation to the EFCC.
Kumo’s conviction followed complaints lodged with the Gombe State Ministry of Justice by Abubakar Isa Jauro Kuna and Suleiman Haruna, which triggered EFCC’s investigation and subsequent prosecution.
… Gombe High Court Jails Magistrate Mohammad Suleiman Kumo for Bribery … Naijaonpoint.
