The Gombe State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old casual worker over the alleged killing of a fellow employee at the Government House, Gombe.
The incident, which occurred on Thursday, December 26, 2025, involved two casual staff members attached to the Government House, according to a statement issued by the police on Saturday.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said the command received a distress call around 3:50 p.m. indicating that a male adult, later identified as Mallam Umar, popularly known as “Baba Usama,” had been found unresponsive within the premises.
“Upon receipt of the report, operatives were immediately dispatched to the scene.
“The victim, who was a borehole operator attached to the Government House, was rushed to the Specialist Hospital, Gombe, where he was certified dead by a medical doctor,” Abdullahi said.
He noted that the circumstances surrounding the death raised suspicion, prompting the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, to visit the scene and direct a thorough investigation.
Abdullahi said preliminary findings, including a review of CCTV footage within the Government House, showed that the deceased was assaulted by another casual staff member shortly before his death.
“Our investigation identified one Shuaibu Adamu, aged 19, also known as ‘Yaya Mama,’ a casual watchman attached to a construction company working within the Government House, as the prime suspect,” he said.
The suspect reportedly fled the scene after the incident but was later apprehended following a coordinated manhunt.
“At about 11:00 p.m. on the same day, the suspect was arrested at his hideout in Bagadaza Quarters, Gombe. During preliminary interrogation, he confessed to the crime,” Abdullahi stated.
The remains of the deceased have been deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy, while the suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.
“The Gombe State Police Command remains committed to ensuring justice is served and that all persons working within and around government facilities are adequately protected.
“The suspect will be diligently prosecuted in accordance with the law,” the police spokesman said.
The command added that further updates would be made public as investigations progress.