A Chief Magistrate Court in Yola, Adamawa State, has ordered the remand of three suspects in prison custody over their alleged involvement in the killing of prominent politician Thomas Godwin, popularly known as 'Zamfara'.
The defendants—Godwin Chakukuyada, Ibrahim Bakari, and Danlami Ali—were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Uwani Danladi on Monday on charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide. They pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the First Information Report (FIR) presented in court, the deceased was attacked by violent political thugs while traveling from Fadama Rake to his birthplace, Kala'a. The suspects allegedly beat Thomas Godwin until he lost consciousness. He was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre in Hong, where he was pronounced dead.
Police Prosecutor Inspector Emmanuel urged the court to read the FIR to the defendants to enable them to enter their plea. After the reading, all three defendants pleaded not guilty to the alleged offenses.
The three defendants are among nine suspects that the Adamawa State Police Command announced last week as being in custody following their arrest in connection with Godwin's murder last month.
Chief Magistrate Uwani Danladi ordered the remand of the defendants to allow police to complete their investigation. The case has been adjourned to June 19, 2025.
