Gombe High Court Jails Magistrate for Bribery, Orders Compensation

A High Court sitting in Gombe State has convicted and sentenced a serving magistrate, Muhammad Suleiman Kumo, to prison over a bribery offence, in a case prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Delivering judgment, Justice H.H. Kereng found the magistrate guilty and sentenced him to two years and six months imprisonment. The court, however, gave the convict an option of a ₦250,000 fine.

In addition to the sentence, the court ordered Kumo to pay ₦500,000 as compensation, reinforcing the punitive and restitutive measures tied to the conviction.

According to court proceedings, the magistrate was found to have collected a ₦1 million bribe in November 2024. The payment was reportedly made through a bank account linked to a court registrar.

The offence contravenes provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, which criminalises bribery and abuse of public office in Nigeria.

The case originated from a petition submitted to authorities through the Gombe State Ministry of Justice, which prompted an investigation by the EFCC.

The anti-graft agency subsequently arraigned Kumo in December 2025 on a three-count charge bordering on bribery.

Although he initially pleaded not guilty, the magistrate later changed his plea to guilty, a move that paved the way for his conviction.

Justice Kereng, while delivering the judgment, emphasised the seriousness of the offence, noting that judicial officers are expected to uphold the highest standards of integrity.

The ruling underscores Nigeria’s continued efforts to tackle corruption within the judiciary and other public institutions.

The conviction sends a strong signal that no public official is above the law, particularly those entrusted with the responsibility of administering justice.

Legal analysts say the case could further strengthen public confidence in the justice system, especially amid ongoing concerns about corruption in public service.