Court Remands Adamawa Philanthropist Dr. Emmanuel Musa Over Alleged Political Assassination

The Chief Magistrate Court III in Yola has ordered the remand of renowned Adamawa philanthropist, Dr. Emmanuel N. Musa, along with three others, in connection with the alleged assassination of prominent politician Thomas Godwin, popularly known as Zamfara.

Presiding over the case, Chief Magistrate Uwani Danladi Mohammed issued the remand order after the defendants were arraigned on charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, in violation of Sections 60 and 191 of the Adamawa State Penal Code (2018, as amended).

Dr. Musa, President of the Emnamu Foundation a well-known charity in the state was charged alongside Godwin Chukukuyada, Danlami Nuhu, and Ibrahim Bakari (aka Mai Cross). A fifth suspect, Stephen Peter, remains at large.

According to the First Information Report (FIR), the accused allegedly ambushed the late Godwin on April 15, 2025, as he traveled from Fadama Rake to his hometown of Kala’a. The victim was reportedly found unconscious by the roadside and was later pronounced dead at a hospital.

The prosecution, led by Ezekiel Gidauna (Esq.), told the court that Dr. Musa was the mastermind behind the attack, allegedly sponsoring and orchestrating the assassination.

During the proceedings, the prosecution also filed a motion to replace the initial charge sheet dated May 19 with a revised version dated July 4. Despite objections from defence lawyers G.C. Adikwu and M.I. El-Yakub, the motion was granted.

The FIR was read and interpreted in Hausa for all the accused. While the co-defendants confirmed their understanding, Dr. Musa required a second reading due to initial confusion.

In a notable courtroom development, the court granted a request from Dr. Musa’s legal team for him to be seated during arraignment due to his medical condition. The court was informed that he was transferred from Abuja to Yola while still on intravenous treatment for dizziness.

The court declined to take the defendants’ pleas during the session prompting protests from defence counsel, who argued that the legal process requires asking whether the accused plead guilty or not after confirming their understanding of the charges.

The case has been adjourned to July 7, 2025, pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP). Until then, Dr. Musa and the co-defendants will remain in custody at a Yola correctional facility.