A Chief Magistrate Court in Yola, Adamawa State, has ordered the remand of prominent philanthropist, Dr Emmanuel N. Musa, and three others over their alleged involvement in the murder of Thomas Godwin Zamfara.
Chief Magistrate Uwani Danladi Mohammad, who presided over proceedings on Friday, directed that Dr Musa, along with Godwin Chukukuyada, Danlami Nuhu, and Ibrahim Bakari, also known as “Mai Cross,” be held at the Yola Custodial Centre until 7 July 2025. A fifth suspect, Stephen Peter, remains at large.
Prosecuting counsel Ezekiel Gidauna, representing the Adamawa State Ministry of Justice, said the adjournment was necessary to allow the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to advise on whether the case should remain in the magistrate court or move to a higher court.
The defendants face charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide under sections 60 and 191 of the Adamawa Penal Code (2018).
An updated First Information Report (FIR) presented to the court alleges that on 15 April 2025, Zamfara was ambushed while travelling from Fadama Rake to Kala’a. The report states that he was beaten unconscious and later died in hospital. Investigators allege Dr Musa instigated and financed the attack — claims his legal team strongly denies.
During proceedings, the prosecution sought to replace an earlier FIR dated 19 May with a revised version filed on 4 July, citing new evidence. Defence counsel G. C. Adikwu, assisted by M. I. El-Yakub, objected, arguing that the defence had not been properly served. The magistrate overruled the objection and allowed the new FIR to be read in Hausa, the defendants’ preferred language.
All four defendants confirmed they understood the charges, though Dr Musa requested the document be read a second time for clarity. The court did not take pleas, deferring plea-taking until the DPP’s advice is filed.
Earlier, Adikwu successfully applied for Dr Musa to remain seated during the hearing, citing his client’s health condition following a recent transfer from Abuja while on intravenous fluids.
The defendants are expected to remain in custody for at least another ten days. The case was adjourned until 7 July 2025, when the prosecution is anticipated to present the DPP’s opinion and possibly seek a transfer to a court with jurisdiction over homicide matters.
Security was tight outside the courtroom, where journalists, supporters, and family members of both the victim and the accused gathered. While the deceased’s family expressed hope for justice, associates of Dr Musa maintained his innocence and vowed to clear his name.
Bail was not addressed during Friday’s hearing, though the defence indicated plans to file a formal application if the matter proceeds to the High Court.
The high-profile nature of the accused and the violent circumstances of the alleged crime have attracted significant public attention, ensuring continued scrutiny of the case in Adamawa State and beyond.