Court remands famous Adamawa philanthropist, Emmanuel Musa over murder of politician

The Chief Magistrate Court III in Yola, Adamawa State, has ordered the remand of a prominent philanthropist, Emmanuel Musa and three alleged accomplices over the killing of a politician, Thomas Godwin, known as Zamfara.

Zamfara who was a youth leader of Peoples Democratic Party in his home local government area, Hong, was killed in April 2025 under circumstances that were unclear.

Some suspects were arrested by the police, leading eventually to the arrest of Emmanuel Musa himself.

Chief Magistrate Uwani Mohammad ruled on Friday, that Emmanuel Musa and co‑defendants: Godwin Chukukuyada, Danlami Nuhu, and Ibrahim Bakari be held at the Yola Correctional Centre until Monday July 7, 2025 when the court will again sit on the case.

The defendants face counts of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide.

The prosecutor, Ezekiel Gidauna, who appeared for the state Ministry of Justice, told the court that the adjournment would allow the Director of Public Prosecutions to issue legal advice on whether the Magistrate Court should continue on the case or be moved to a higher court.

According to an updated First Information Report, FIR, on the case, the whole matter started on April 15, 2025 when the accused allegedly ambushed Zamfara while he rode from Fadama Rake to his village, Kala’a, a community a couple of kilometres from Hong town, along Hong-Gombi highway.

The FIR said Zamfara was beaten and left unconscious and later pronounced dead in hospital.

“Investigators claim Dr Musa ‘instigated and sponsored’ the assault,” the FIR claimed, a charge that Emmanuel Musa’s counsel, defence lawyer Gabriel Adikwu contests, arguing that he and his client had not been served.

The order for remand of the defendants remained, meaning they would be behind bars throughout the weekend.

DAILY POST reports that Emmanuel Musa became widely known in Adamawa State for philanthropy and gained popularity for frequently dolling out relief materials to those in need.

Emmanuel Musa who is believed to be under-40 years old, in 2024 expressed interest in seeking governorship position in Adamawa State.

Court remands famous Adamawa philanthropist, Emmanuel Musa over murder of politician