The quiet release of Adamawa-based billionaire and philanthropist, Dr. Emmanuel Musa, from prison has ignited widespread outrage and renewed concerns over the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system.
According to SaharaReporters, Musa was freed following a court session reportedly held late Friday evening, after Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun allegedly ordered the withdrawal of the First Information Report (FIR).
Musa and four others had earlier been remanded by the court in connection with the alleged political assassination of grassroots politician Thomas Godwin, widely known as Zamfara. However, police prosecutors abruptly filed to temporarily withdraw the charges, prompting Magistrate Uwani Danladi Mohammed to return to court after hours.
A court official told SaharaReporters, “We were told that the IGP ordered the withdrawal of the First Information Report (FIR) for further investigation. This effectively halts all charges against the five defendants — for now.”
By Saturday, Dr. Musa and his co-accused had reportedly left Yola on a chartered private jet.
Previously a prominent PDP member, Musa switched allegiance to the ruling APC shortly after the murder scandal erupted—fueling speculation that political influence played a role in his sudden release.
Critics argue the development demonstrates how power, not justice, defines outcomes in high-profile cases in Nigeria. Many are skeptical whether the promised “further investigation” will be genuine or simply fade into silence.
Just a day earlier, Musa was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court III in Yola on charges of criminal conspiracy and culpable homicide, offenses under Sections 60 and 191 of the Adamawa State Penal Code (2018, as amended).
Musa, President of the Emnamu Foundation, faced trial alongside Godwin Chukukuyada, Danlami Nuhu, and Ibrahim Bakari (aka Mai Cross). A fifth suspect, Stephen Peter, remains on the run.
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The FIR presented in court alleged that the suspects ambushed the victim on April 15, 2025, along the Fadama Rake–Kala’a road, leaving him unconscious. He was later declared dead in a hospital.
Prosecuting counsel Ezekiel Gidauna, Esq., claimed Musa masterminded and financed the fatal attack. He also moved to substitute the initial charge sheet with an updated version dated July 4, 2025 — a motion opposed by the defense but allowed by the court. The charges were read in Hausa to the accused during the proceedings.
This is not the first time Musa has been linked to violence. In 2023, SaharaReporters exposed how he incited chaos during a religious crusade in Kala’a town, leading to the destruction of homes, shops, and vehicles worth over ₦200 million.
In a viral video from the event, Musa was recorded telling attendees: “They (witches and wizards) want to kill me; youths, what’s your reaction? Retaliate, retaliate. If someone slaps you once, slap them twice to serve as a deterrent.”
Eyewitnesses confirmed that shortly after those remarks, local youths attacked homes of individuals labeled as witches. One victim, Isaac Edmond Hyellandendu, told SaharaReporters:
“A preacher claiming to be a prophet came to town to conduct a crusade. While conducting his meeting, some of us were mentioned as those practising witchcraft, that we were planning to kill him; as such, he charged the youths to act fast and eliminate us.”
As pressure mounts on authorities to pursue justice, many are watching closely to see whether Dr. Musa’s case will proceed or disappear like many others before it.
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