• Suspect in police net

A casual staff member attached to the Gombe State Government House has been murdered under suspicious circumstances.

A report by security expert, Zagazola Makama. said that the incident occurred yesterday, Friday, December 26, 2025, at about 3:50 p.m. when Mallam Umar Snu, also known as Baba Usama, who worked as a borehole operator at the newly renovated Government House, was discovered lying motionless.

As per Zagazola, “According to the sources, the victim was found with his trousers tied around his neck and a local intoxicant, rubber solution, inserted in his mouth.

“He was rushed to the Specialist Hospital, Gombe, where he was confirmed dead, and his body was deposited at the hospital mortuary.”

Zagazola said it was gathered that at about 11:00 p.m., operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer of Pantami traced a suspect, Shuaibu Adamu, in connection to the murder in his hideout at Bagadaza Quarters and arrested him.

The suspect reportedly confessed to the crime, the sources said, adding that investigation into the circumstances of the murder is ongoing to determine the motive and bring all responsible parties to justice.

Confirming the incident, the Police command in Gombe State announced on Saturday evening that it has arrested a 19-year-old casual watchman, Shuaibu Adamu, for allegedly killing a fellow casual worker at the Government House.

The command’s spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, confirmed the arrest in a press statement.

Abdullahi said police received a distress call at about 3.50 p.m. on Friday reporting a suspected culpable homicide within the Government House premises.

“The report stated that a male adult, Mallam Umar, a borehole operator, was found lying motionless within the premises.

“Preliminary findings showed his trousers were tied around his neck, while a local intoxicant, popularly called rubber solution, was found in his mouth.

“He was rushed to the Specialist Hospital, Gombe, where a doctor certified him dead. His body was deposited at the mortuary for autopsy,” he said.

Abdullahi said the Commissioner of Police, Umar Chuso, visited the scene and ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.

He said CCTV footage revealed Adamu, also known as “Yaya Mama”, assaulting the deceased shortly before his death, before fleeing the scene.

“A follow-up operation at about 11 p.m. on Friday led to his arrest at Bagadaza Quarters, Gombe,” Abdullahi said.

He added that the suspect confessed during preliminary interrogation and would remain in custody pending completion of investigations and prosecution.

“The command reassures the public of its commitment to justice and safety around government facilities,” Abdullahi said. (NAN, but headline rejigged)