Court remands Emmanuel Musa, three others over alleged murder of Thomas Zamfara
The Chief Magistrate Court III in Yola, Adamawa State, on Friday ordered the remand of prominent philanthropist Dr. Emmanuel N. Musa and three alleged accomplices over the killing of Thomas Godwin Zamfara.
Chief Magistrate Uwani Danladi Mohammad ruled that Musa and co‑defendants Godwin Chukukuyada, Danlami Nuhu, and Ibrahim Bakari (alias “Mai Cross”) be held at the Yola Custodial Centre until 7 July 2025. A fifth suspect, Stephen Peter, remains at large.
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Prosecutor Ezekiel Gidauna Esq., appearing for the state Ministry of Justice, told the court the adjournment would allow the Director of Public Prosecutions to issue legal advice on whether the matter should proceed at the magistrate level or be elevated to a higher court. The defendants face counts of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide under sections 60 and 191 of the Adamawa Penal Code (2018).
An updated First Information Report (FIR) alleges that on 15 April 2025 the accused ambushed Zamfara while he rode from Fadama Rake to Kala’a. He was beaten unconscious and later pronounced dead in hospital. Investigators claim Dr Musa “instigated and sponsored” the assault, a charge his counsel vigorously contests.
Gidauna sought to substitute an earlier FIR dated 19 May with a revised version filed on 4 July reflecting new evidence. Defence lawyer G. C. Adikwu, assisted by M. I. El‑Yakub, objected, arguing they had not been served. The magistrate overruled the objection, allowed the substitution, and ordered that the charges be read in Hausa, the defendants’ preferred language.
All four acknowledged understanding the allegations, though Dr Musa requested the document be read a second time before confirming comprehension. The court did not take pleas, prompting Adikwu to insist that defendants must be asked to state guilt or innocence once charges are explained. Chief Magistrate Mohammed deferred plea‑taking until the DPP’s advice is filed.
Earlier, Adikwu successfully petitioned that Dr Musa be allowed to remain seated, citing dizziness and the fact that he had been transported from Abuja while on intravenous fluids.
With Friday’s order, Musa, Chukukuyada, Nuhu, and Bakari will spend at least ten days in custody pending further directives from the Ministry of Justice. The case will next be mentioned on 7 July 2025, when the prosecution is expected to present the DPP’s opinion and, if necessary, apply for transfer to a court of competent jurisdiction to try homicide offences.
Outside the courtroom, security was heavy as journalists and supporters gathered. Relatives of the deceased said they hoped the proceedings would “deliver justice,” while associates of Dr Musa insisted he had no involvement and vowed to clear his name. Bail was not considered, though the defence signalled plans to file a formal application if the matter moves to the High Court. Dr Musa, renowned for funding rural clinics and scholarship schemes, cut a subdued figure throughout, occasionally supported by court officials as he left the dock. The high‑profile nature of the accused, coupled with the brutality of the alleged crime, ensures the trial will be closely watched within and beyond Adamawa State.
