A Chief Magistrate Court in Yola has ordered the remand of prominent philanthropist Dr. Emmanuel Musa and three others in prison custody over the alleged murder of Thomas Godwin Zamfara.
The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Uwani Danladi Mohammed, gave the remand order on Friday and adjourned the case to July 7, 2025, pending legal advice from the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP) in the Adamawa State Ministry of Justice.
The accused persons—Dr. Emmanuel N. Musa, Godwin Chukukuyada, Danlami Nuhu, and Ibrahim Bakari (popularly known as Mai Cross)—are facing charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. A fifth suspect, Stephen Peter, is reportedly still at large.
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the incident occurred on April 15, 2025, when the deceased, Thomas Godwin Zamfara, was reportedly attacked while returning to his hometown, Kala’a, from Fadama Rake. He was found unconscious by the roadside and rushed to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead by a medical professional.
Prosecuting counsel Ezekiel Gidauna told the court that Dr. Musa allegedly instigated and sponsored the attack that led to Zamfara’s death. Gidauna also filed a motion to substitute the initial FIR dated May 19 with a revised version dated July 4.
Defense counsel G.C. Adikwu, appearing alongside M.I. El-Yakub, objected to the substitution, claiming the defense team had not received a copy of the new FIR. However, the court overruled the objection and directed that the amended FIR be read and interpreted to the defendants in Hausa—a language they understand.
All the defendants acknowledged understanding the charges, except Dr. Musa, who initially expressed confusion and only confirmed comprehension after the charges were read to him a second time.
The court did not take pleas from the accused—a point of contention raised by Adikwu, who argued that the law requires defendants not only to confirm understanding of the charges but also to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
Earlier during proceedings, Adikwu requested that Dr. Musa be allowed to remain seated during arraignment due to a health condition. He told the court that his client had been transported from Abuja to Yola while on intravenous treatment. The court granted the request.
The case has been adjourned to July 7 for further proceedings.
