A prominent philanthropist, Dr. Emmanuel Musa, along with three other individuals, has been ordered to be remanded in prison by the Chief Magistrate Court III sitting in Yola, Adamawa State. The remand order, issued on Friday, stems from their alleged involvement in the killing of Thomas Godwin Zamfara, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Danladi Mohammed, adjourned the case until Monday, July 7, to await crucial legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) within the Ministry of Justice, Adamawa State.

The defendants arraigned before the court include Godwin Chukukuyada, Danlami Nuhu, Ibrahim Bakari (also known as Mai Cross), Stephen Peter (who is currently at large), and Dr. Emmanuel Musa. They face serious charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, offenses that are contrary to sections 60 and 191 of the Adamawa State Penal Code 2018 as amended. According to the first information report (FIR) presented in court, the accused individuals allegedly attacked the late Thomas Godwin Zamfara on April 15, while he was en route from Fadama Rake to his hometown, Kala’a.

The prosecution detailed that the deceased was left unconscious by the roadside and, despite being rushed to a hospital, was later confirmed dead by a medical doctor. Furthermore, the prosecution informed the court that Dr. Emmanuel Musa was the alleged instigator and sponsor of the defendants in carrying out the act. During the arraignment, prosecution counsel Ezekiel Gidauna Esq. applied for the substitution of the initial FIR, dated May 19, 2025, with a newer one dated July 4, 2025. Counsel for the defendants, G. C. Adikwu, appearing alongside M.I. El-Yakub, objected to this application, citing that they had not been provided with the document intended for substitution.

However, the Chief Magistrate overruled the defense's objection and mandated that the FIR be substituted, then read and interpreted to the defendants in a language they could comprehend. Following the reading and interpretation of the FIR in Hausa, all defendants affirmed their understanding of the allegations, with the exception of Dr. Emmanuel Musa, who required a second reading for full comprehension. Notably, the Chief Magistrate did not proceed to ask the defendants whether they were guilty or not as alleged by the prosecution. G. C. Adikwu, addressing this omission, argued that legal provisions dictate that after defendants confirm understanding of allegations, they must also be asked to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.

Earlier in the proceedings, G. C. Adikwu had successfully petitioned the court to allow Dr. Musa to be arraigned while seated, citing his client's dizziness. He explained that Dr. Musa had been transported from Abuja to Yola while on a drip, a request which the court granted.