The Chief Magistrate Court III in Yola, presided over by Chief Magistrate Uwani Danladi Mohammed, issued the remand order following their arraignment on charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, contrary to Sections 60 and 191 of the Adamawa State Penal Code (2018, as amended).

A young and renowned philanthropist, Dr Emmanuel N. Musa, has been remanded in prison custody alongside three others over their alleged involvement in the assassination of a prominent Adamawa politician, Thomas Godwin, popularly known as Zamfara.

The Chief Magistrate Court III in Yola, presided over by Chief Magistrate Uwani Danladi Mohammed, issued the remand order following their arraignment on charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, contrary to Sections 60 and 191 of the Adamawa State Penal Code (2018, as amended).

Dr. Musa, who is the President of the Emnamu Foundation, a philanthropic organisation based in Adamawa, 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) presented in court, the suspects allegedly ambushed the deceased on April 15, 2025, while he was travelling from Fadama Rake to Kala’a, his hometown. 

The politician was reportedly left unconscious by the roadside and later confirmed dead at the hospital.

The prosecution led by Ezekiel Gidauna, Esq., told the court that Dr. Musa allegedly sponsored and instigated the fatal attack. The FIR also highlighted a motion by the prosecution to substitute the original charge sheet dated May 19 with a fresh one dated July 4, 2025, — a motion that was objected to by defense counsels G.C. Adikwu and M.I. El-Yakub, but overruled by the court.

During proceedings, the FIR was read and interpreted to the accused in Hausa. 

While the others confirmed understanding of the allegations, Dr. Musa initially did not, prompting a second reading.

Notably, the court did not take a plea from the defendants — an omission that sparked legal argument from the defence counsel, Adikwu, who maintained that asking defendants if they understand the charges must be followed by asking whether they plead guilty or not.

Before the hearing began, the court granted a plea from Dr. Musa’s counsel for the defendant to be arraigned while seated, citing his medical condition. 

The court was informed that Dr. Musa was transported from Abuja to Yola on intravenous treatment due to dizziness.

The case has been adjourned to July 7, 2025, pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP). 

Until then, the court ordered that the billionaire and his co-defendants remain in custody at a correctional facility in Yola.