The Gombe High Court, presided over by Justice H.H. Kereng, has convicted and sentenced a magistrate, Mohammad Suleiman Kumo, to two years and six months imprisonment for bribery, with an option of fine.
Kumo was arraigned on December 3, 2025 by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Gombe Zonal Directorate on a three-count charge of bribery.
He was accused of receiving a ₦1 million monetary benefit through a Zenith Bank account linked to a court registrar in November 2024, an offence said to be contrary to Section 10(a)(i)(ii) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Initially, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, at a resumed hearing on May 5, 2026, his counsel informed the court of his intention to change his plea, after which he pleaded guilty when the charges were re-read.
The defence had earlier challenged the jurisdiction of the court, arguing that the matter should have been handled by the Judicial Service Commission (JSC). However, the prosecution counsel countered the argument, insisting that the defendant, being a magistrate, was not exempt from criminal prosecution under the law.
In a ruling delivered on February 17, 2026, the court upheld the submission of the prosecution and affirmed its jurisdiction to hear the case.
During the sentencing, Justice Kereng noted the seriousness of the offence and stated that the conviction was justified under the relevant provisions of the law.
The court also ordered the defendant to pay ₦500,000 as compensation to the Commission, describing it as reasonable for investigation and prosecution expenses.
The judge sentenced Kumo to two years and six months imprisonment with an option of a ₦250,000 fine.
The case followed allegations received by the Gombe State Ministry of Justice, prompting investigation and prosecution that eventually led to the conviction of the magistrate.