Operator at the Gombe State Government House, identified as Malam Umar, has allegedly been killed by a colleague, Shuaibu Adamu, a watchman attached to the premises.
The victim, also known as Baba Usama, was employed as a borehole operator at the Government House.
Confirming the incident, the Gombe State Police Command spokesperson, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said the deceased was found unresponsive within the Government House premises. Preliminary observations indicated signs of foul play, and a locally made intoxicant was reportedly found at the scene.
According to him, a distress call was received on Friday, December 26, at about 3:50 p.m., reporting that Malam Umar had been found lying motionless. He was immediately taken to the Specialist Hospital in Gombe, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead. His body was subsequently deposited at the hospital mortuary for an autopsy.
DSP Abdullahi added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, visited the scene and ordered a comprehensive investigation.
As part of the investigation, police reviewed CCTV footage from within the Government House. The footage reportedly showed one Shuaibu Adamu, 19, also known as Yaya Mama, a casual watchman linked to a construction company working at the Government House, allegedly assaulting the victim before his death. The suspect was also seen fleeing the scene afterward.
The police spokesperson said a coordinated operation led to the suspect’s arrest later that night, around 11 p.m., at his hideout in Bagadaza Quarters, Gombe metropolis.
DSP Abdullahi disclosed that the suspect has made a confession during preliminary interrogation and remains in police custody. He added that investigations are ongoing to fully establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure proper prosecution.