Court orders remand of philanthropist Musa, 3 others

By Yagana Ali Yola 

A Chief Magistrate Court in Yola, Adamawa State, has ordered the remand of philanthropist Emmanuel Musa and three others in prison custody over the alleged murder of Thomas Godwin Zamfara. 

The defendants include Godwin Chukukuyada, Danlami Nuhu, Ibrahim Bakari (aka Mai Cross), and Emmanuel N. Musa, with a fifth suspect, Stephen Peter, currently at large.

The prosecution alleges that on April 15, 2025, the defendants attacked Thomas Godwin Zamfara while he was traveling from Fadama Rake to Kala’a, his hometown. 

The victim was reportedly left unconscious on the roadside and later died at the hospital. Musa is accused of masterminding and financing the attack.

During the court proceedings, the prosecution applied to substitute the First Information Report (FIR) dated May 19, 2025, with a new one dated July 4, 2025. 

The defense counsel objected, but the court overruled the objection and allowed the substitution. The FIR was read and interpreted to the defendants in Hausa, and all confirmed understanding the charges, although Dr. Musa required a second reading.

The court adjourned the case to July 7, 2025, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) at the Adamawa State Ministry of Justice. Musa and the three other defendants will remain in prison custody until then. 

Don’t be ashamed of your faith, defend it – cleric urges Christians 

“The court’s decision to remand the defendants has sparked intense public debate, given Musa’s reputation as a philanthropist.

The defendants face charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide under sections 60 and 191 of the Adamawa State Penal Code 2018. If found guilty, they could face severe penalties, including imprisonment

The July 7 hearing is expected to shed more light on the case, with the prosecution anticipated to present the DPP’s opinion and possibly seek a transfer to a court with jurisdiction over homicide matters.