The Adamawa State Police Command has arrested nine individuals in connection with the murder of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Thomas Godwin, popularly known as Zamfara, who was killed last month near his residence in Ka'ala, Hong Local Government Area.

Police spokesperson SP Suleiman Nguroje identified the suspects as Sunday Terrang, Umar Ibrahim, Sadiq Ishaku, Solomon Gideon, Ahmed Aminu, Danlami Ali, Godwin Chakukuyada, Akacha Daniel Samari, and Ibrahim Bakari.

"After a preliminary investigation, the suspects and the case file were transferred to the Force Intelligence Rapid Response Team (IRRT), Abuja, for further discreet investigation," Nguroje stated in an official release.

The circumstances surrounding Godwin's death had remained shrouded in mystery since the incident occurred, prompting both the state government and police authorities to vow to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Nguroje refuted allegations that suspects were mistreated during the investigation process. "It's important to know that their statements were recorded in the presence of the state Legal Aid Council. All processes were video recorded. All arrests, interviews, and procedures were conducted in accordance with international best practice and standard investigation procedure," he emphasized.

The police spokesperson specifically addressed reports claiming that certain individuals had been "arrested, tortured, starved, and coerced into making false confessions," categorically denying that police had violated the rights of any suspects in connection with the case.

This development comes as communities in Hong Local Government Area have reportedly been facing security challenges, with local leaders recently appealing to the federal government for increased military presence to address insurgency concerns in the region.