Gombe Governor Suspends Acting DPP, Orders Probe Over Misconduct Allegations

Gombe Governor Suspends Acting DPP, Orders Probe Over Misconduct Allegations

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has approved the suspension of the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the state Ministry of Justice, Abubakar Jungudo, pending the outcome of an investigation into allegations of misconduct levelled against him.

The governor also constituted a high-level investigative panel to examine the complaints against the senior legal officer.

The decision was announced in a statement issued on Saturday by the Director-General of Press Affairs, Government House Gombe, Ismaila Uba Misilli, and made available to journalists.

According to the statement, the approval was conveyed by the Head of Civil Service, Professor Mu’azu Shehu, who said Governor Inuwa Yahaya acted after carefully reviewing the nature and seriousness of the allegations contained in the petition against the Acting DPP.

Professor Shehu explained that the suspension takes immediate effect and is intended to ensure an impartial and unhindered investigation in line with established civil service procedures and the principles of due process.

“The Governor, having carefully considered the nature and gravity of the allegations, directed the immediate suspension of the Acting Director of Public Prosecutions pending the outcome of the investigation,” the statement said.

He added that the action reflects the administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency and fairness in the conduct of public affairs.

To lead the investigation, the governor appointed Hon. Justice Haruna Habila Kereng of the Gombe State High Court as chairman of the panel.

Other members include a director from the Ministry of Justice, representatives of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Investigation Department (FCID), Gombe, and the Department of State Services (DSS).

The Permanent Secretary, Establishment and Service Matters in the Office of the Head of Civil Service, will serve as secretary of the panel.

The committee has been directed to commence work immediately, investigate all the allegations, examine relevant evidence, and submit its findings and recommendations to Governor Inuwa Yahaya through the Office of the Head of Civil Service.