TDA High Court in Gombe State has convicted and sentenced Mohammad Suleiman Kumo, a magistrate, to two years and six months imprisonment for bribery.
The judgment was delivered by Justice H.H. Kereng of the Gombe High Court on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Background of the Case
Kumo was arraigned on December 3, 2025 by the Gombe Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on a three-count charge of bribery.
On December 30, 2025, his counsel, Adamu Bawa, filed a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court.
The counsel argued that as a judicial officer, Kumo should be referred to the Judicial Service Commission (JSC).
EFCC counsel, A. Aliyu, countered that a magistrate is not a judicial officer under Section 318(1) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Justice Kereng upheld the EFCC’s submission in a ruling delivered on February 17, 2026, affirming the court’s jurisdiction to try the case.
Details of the Offence
Count one of the charges stated that Kumo, while serving at the Chief Magistrate Court, Pantami, received ₦1,000,000 through a Zenith Bank account belonging to a registrar in his court, Adamu Ahmed, on November 6, 2024.
The payment was deemed a bribe, 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 May 5, 2026, his counsel informed the court that he wished to change his plea.
When the charges were re-read, Kumo pleaded guilty.
Judgment and Sentencing
Delivering judgment, Justice Kereng stressed the seriousness of the offence.
“I hereby convict you for the offence of corruption under Section 10(a)(i)(ii) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
“Also, ₦500,000 is not excessive as compensation for investigation and prosecution,” the judge declared.
Kumo was sentenced to two years and six months imprisonment, with an option of a ₦250,000 fine, and ordered to pay ₦500,000 compensation to the EFCC.
How the Case Began
Kumo’s prosecution stemmed from a petition filed by the Gombe State Ministry of Justice, following complaints by Abubakar Isa Jauro Kuna and Suleiman Haruna alleging bribery.
The EFCC investigated, charged him to court, and secured his conviction.
Implications
The conviction underscores Nigeria’s judiciary’s increasing intolerance for corruption within its ranks.
Legal analysts say the ruling sends a strong message that magistrates and other judicial officers will be held accountable under anti-corruption laws, reinforcing public confidence in the justice system.
Kumo’s journey from magistrate to convict highlights the EFCC’s resolve to pursue corruption cases across all sectors, including the judiciary.
