By Our Correspondent

National News – A High Court in Gombe State has sentenced a magistrate, Mohammad Kumo, to two years and six months in prison for bribery, marking a significant anti-corruption ruling in Nigeria’s judiciary.

The judgment was delivered on May 6, 2026, by Justice H.H. Kereng, following prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The court found that Kumo, who served at the Chief Magistrate Court in Pantami, Gombe, accepted a bribe of N1 million on November 6, 2024.

The money was reportedly transferred through a Zenith Bank account belonging to a court registrar, Adamu Ahmed.

The case originated from a petition filed by two complainants, Abubakar Isa Jauro Kuna and Suleiman Haruna, who alleged corrupt practices.

Initially, the defendant pleaded not guilty and challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that only the Judicial Service Commission could try him.

However, on February 17, 2026, the court ruled that a magistrate does not fall under the category of judicial officers protected under Section 318(1) of the 1999 Constitution.

This decision cleared the way for the trial to proceed.

At a resumed hearing on May 5, 2026, Kumo changed his plea to guilty.

Following this, the prosecution urged the court to convict him and impose penalties, including compensation for investigation costs.

Justice Kereng described the offence as serious and convicted Kumo under the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

The court sentenced him to two years and six months imprisonment, with an option of a N250,000 fine.

Additionally, he was ordered to pay N500,000 as compensation to the EFCC for resources used during the investigation and prosecution.

This ruling underscores Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to combat corruption within public institutions, especially the judiciary, and sends a strong message about accountability and ethical conduct in public office.