THERE was palpable tension and shock at the Gombe State Government House on Friday after a casual watchman allegedly killed a staff member attached to the facility, sparking an intensive police investigation and raising concerns about internal security within the seat of power.
News Point Nigeria reports that the victim, Baba Usama, was a casual employee responsible for water borehole operations at the Government House.
He was allegedly killed in the afternoon, at about 3:50 pm, under disturbing circumstances that have since drawn widespread attention.
According to the Gombe State Police Command, the suspect, identified as Shuaibu Adamu, aged 19, allegedly drugged and strangled the victim with a rope, leading to his death.
Confirming the incident in a statement, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Buhari Abdullahi, said a distress call was received on December 26, 2025, alerting authorities that Usama had been found lying motionless within the Government House premises.
Abdullahi disclosed that upon discovery, the deceased was found with his trousers tied around his neck, while a local intoxicant commonly referred to as “rubber solution” was reportedly inserted into his mouth.
He said the victim was immediately rushed to the Specialist Hospital, Gombe, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead. His remains were thereafter deposited at the hospital’s mortuary pending an autopsy.
Following the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, personally visited the scene and ordered a thorough and discreet investigation into the killing.
According to the police spokesman, a detailed investigation, including a review of CCTV footage within the Government House, revealed that the suspect, Shuaibu Adamu, also known as “Yaya Mama” of Mallam Kuri Quarters, was seen assaulting the deceased shortly before his death.
Adamu was described as a casual watchman attached to a construction company executing projects within the Government House.
“The suspect reportedly fled the scene immediately after the incident,” Abdullahi said.
However, a coordinated manhunt by the police led to the suspect being tracked and arrested later that same day, at about 11:00 pm, at his hideout in Bagadaza Quarters, Gombe.
During preliminary interrogation, police said the suspect confessed to the crime, though investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances and motive behind the killing.
“The suspect remains in police custody while investigation continues to ensure diligent prosecution in accordance with the law,” the police spokesman stated.
The Gombe State Police Command also reassured residents and workers within government facilities of its commitment to justice, safety, and security, stressing that no effort would be spared in ensuring accountability.
“The Command remains firmly committed to protecting lives and property, including all persons working within and around government facilities,” Abdullahi added.
Efforts by News Point Nigeria to reach Ismail Uba Misilli, the Director-General of Press Affairs at the Gombe Government House, were unsuccessful, as calls and text messages sent to him were not responded to as of the time of filing this report.