Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A Gombe State magistrate, Mohammed Suleiman Kumo, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of extortion and bribery involving funds received through a court registrar. The arraignment took place on December 3, 2025, before Justice H.H. Kereng of the Gombe High Court.
Investigators from the EFCC’s Gombe Zonal Directorate allege that Kumo, who serves at the Chief Magistrate Court, unlawfully received financial benefits through a Zenith Bank account belonging to one Adamu Ahmed, a registrar attached to his court. In the first count, the magistrate was accused of receiving ₦1 million through the registrar’s account in violation of provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. Another charge outlined a separate payment of ₦400,000 allegedly transferred to him on November 11, 2024, similarly described as an unlawful gratification tied to his judicial position.
Kumo pleaded not guilty to all three counts. Following the plea, EFCC counsel Abubakar Aliyu requested that the defendant be remanded at the Gombe State Correctional Centre and urged the court to fix an early trial date. The defence counsel, Adamu Bawa, countered with a bail application, which the prosecution opposed vigorously citing legal grounds.
Justice Kereng, after considering submissions from both sides, noted that the defendant had previously been granted administrative bail by the EFCC and had appeared in court voluntarily from home. On that basis, the judge granted him interim bail pending a formal ruling on the full bail application.
The matter has been adjourned to January 13 and 14, 2026 for the bail ruling and continuation of trial proceedings.
Stone Reporters notes that the case mirrors other judicial integrity challenges recorded across Nigeria in recent months, including investigations into court officials in Kano and Rivers State over alleged case manipulation and illicit financial dealings. These episodes underline ongoing public concerns over corruption within lower courts, an issue stakeholders argue must be addressed to reinforce trust in the justice system.
Professionally, this arraignment underscores the EFCC’s increased scrutiny of judicial officers amid wider reforms aimed at cleaning up the justice sector. Analysts suggest that high-profile cases such as this one may help deter misconduct, but they also highlight the need for structural safeguards that prevent undue financial influence within the judiciary.
The proceedings against Kumo will likely draw continued public attention as the court begins substantive hearings early next year, with expectations that the outcome could signal how firmly the system intends to confront corruption within its own ranks.
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