Prominent Philanthropist, Three Others Remanded Over Alleged Murder in Adamawa

YOLA —Ojoma Yusuf, Yola

A Chief Magistrate Court in Yola, Adamawa State, on Friday ordered the remand of renowned philanthropist, Dr Emmanuel N. Musa, and three others in connection with the alleged murder of Thomas Godwin Zamfara.

Presiding Chief Magistrate Uwani Danladi Mohammad directed that Dr Musa, alongside Godwin Chukukuyada, Danlami Nuhu, and Ibrahim Bakari (popularly 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, told the court that the adjournment was necessary to enable the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) to provide legal advice on whether the case should proceed at the magistrate level or be transferred to a higher court.

The defendants face charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, contrary to sections 60 and 191 of the Adamawa Penal Code (2018).

An updated First Information Report (FIR) presented in court alleges that on 15 April 2025, the accused persons ambushed Zamfara while he was travelling from Fadama Rake to Kala’a. The report claims Zamfara was beaten unconscious and later died in hospital. Investigators allege that Dr Musa “instigated and sponsored” the assault — a claim his legal team strongly denies.

During proceedings, Gidauna 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 to the substitution, arguing that they had not been properly served. However, the magistrate overruled the objection and allowed the new charges to be read in Hausa, the defendants’ preferred language.

All four defendants confirmed they understood the allegations after the charges were read, although Dr Musa requested the document be read a second time before acknowledging his understanding.

The court did not take pleas on Friday, with Chief Magistrate Mohammad deferring plea-taking until the DPP’s advice is received. Defence counsel Adikwu insisted that the defendants should be formally asked to state their pleas once charges have been explained.

Earlier in the hearing, Adikwu successfully applied for Dr Musa to remain seated during proceedings, citing his client’s dizziness and his recent transfer from Abuja while on intravenous fluids.

Following the remand order, Dr Musa and his co-accused are set to remain in custody for at least ten more days pending further directions from the Ministry of Justice.

The matter was adjourned to 7 July 2025, when the prosecution is expected to present the DPP’s opinion and possibly seek a transfer of the case to a court with jurisdiction to try homicide offences.

Outside the courtroom, tight security surrounded the premises as journalists, supporters, and relatives of the deceased gathered. While the victim’s family expressed hope for justice, associates of Dr Musa maintained his innocence and pledged to clear his name.

Bail was not considered during Friday’s proceedings, although the defence indicated it may file a formal application if the case progresses to the High Court.

Dr Musa, widely respected for funding rural health projects and scholarship programmes, appeared subdued throughout the hearing and was assisted by court officials as he exited the dock.

The high-profile nature of the accused and the violent circumstances surrounding the alleged crime have drawn significant public interest and are expected to keep the case in the spotlight across Adamawa State and beyond.