Gombe Panel: Submits Suspended DPP Report on Jungudo

• A High-Powered Investigative Panel submitted its four-volume report on the suspended Gombe State Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, Abubakar Jungudo, on September 8, 2026.
• Prof. Muazu Shehu, Gombe State Head of Civil Service, received the report on behalf of Governor Inuwa Yahaya, emphasizing its role in strengthening public institutions and ensuring accountability.
• Chaired by Justice Haruna Kerengs of the Gombe State High Court, the panel was inaugurated on July 31, 2026, to impartially investigate complaints following the Acting DPP's suspension.
• The report details petitions, evidence, proceedings, and recommendations, which Justice Kerengs believes will reinforce the administration of criminal justice in Gombe State.
• The findings and recommendations will now be forwarded to Governor Yahaya for consideration and implementation.

Rigorous scrutiny is vital for accountability, preventing the misuse of privilege, and ensuring high-quality service delivery by public officials.

A High-Powered Investigative Panel, established to probe complaints against Abubakar Jungudo, the suspended Gombe State Acting Director of Public Prosecutions, officially submitted its final report on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. Prof. Muazu Shehu, the Gombe State Head of Civil Service, received the comprehensive four-volume document on behalf of Governor Inuwa Yahaya. This significant development follows the panel's inauguration on July 31, 2026, which was initiated after the Acting DPP's suspension.

The panel's mandate was to conduct a thorough, transparent, and impartial investigation into the allegations, ensuring due process was followed throughout its proceedings. Chaired by Justice Haruna Kerengs of the Gombe State High Court, the committee comprised representatives from various key institutions, including the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Bar Association, and the Gombe State Ministry of Justice. The Permanent Secretary for Establishment and Service Matters served as its secretary, highlighting the broad institutional backing for the probe. This information was conveyed in a press statement issued by Amos Fabulous, the Information Officer for the Office of the Head of Civil Service.

Upon receiving the extensive findings, Professor Shehu underscored the critical role of such investigations in bolstering public institutions and maintaining public trust in governance. He characterized the panel's work as a "noble and sacred duty," executed with diligence and commitment, emphasizing that rigorous scrutiny is vital for accountability, preventing the misuse of privilege, and ensuring high-quality service delivery by public officials. He stated that this process is fundamental to building and safeguarding the public service.

Justice Haruna Kerengs, in presenting the Abubakar Jungudo probe report, explained that the sheer volume and intricate nature of the complaints received by the panel necessitated an extension of its original timeframe. The detailed findings were compiled into four distinct volumes: the first contained petitions and responses; the second presented evidence, documents, and exhibits; the third documented proceedings and witness testimonies; and the final volume outlined the panel's deliberations, findings, and recommendations. This structured approach aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the probe into the Gombe State Director Public Prosecutions.

Justice Kerengs expressed strong confidence that the recommendations put forth by the Gombe panel would effectively address the issues identified during the probe. He anticipated that these recommendations would not only strengthen the collaborative relationship between the Gombe Ministry of Justice and security agencies but also significantly reinforce the overall administration of criminal justice in Gombe State. He also conveyed the panel's gratitude to Governor Yahaya for the trust placed in its members and the opportunity to undertake this crucial assignment.

Following the submission, Professor Shehu assured that the complete report, encompassing both its findings and recommendations, would be promptly transmitted to Governor Yahaya for thorough consideration and subsequent implementation. He then formally dissolved the committee on behalf of the governor, commending its members for their dedicated service and expressing hope for their future availability for similar assignments. The outcomes of this report are poised to influence future prosecutorial practices and internal disciplinary procedures within the Gombe Ministry of Justice accountability framework.

Lawyers should monitor the findings and recommendations of this report, as they could influence future prosecutorial practices, internal disciplinary procedures within the Gombe State Ministry of Justice, and set precedents for accountability of public legal officials in the region.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH Newspaper