Police arrest 19-year-old over co-worker’s death in Gombe govt house

The Gombe State Police Command has arrested a suspect in the culpable homicide of a casual staff member at the Gombe Government House.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, the incident involved two casual staff working within the Gombe Government House premises.

The statement said the deceased, identified as Mallam Umar, also known as Baba Usama, was employed as a borehole operator at the Government House.


“On 26th December, 2025, at about 1550 hours, a distress report was received that a male adult identified as Mallam Umar was found lying motionless,” the police said.

Preliminary findings revealed circumstances surrounding the death.

The police stated that the victim was discovered with his trousers tied around his neck, while a local intoxicant (popularly known as rubber solution) was found inserted in his mouth.

He was rushed to the Specialist Hospital, Gombe, where he was certified dead by a medical doctor.

His remains were then deposited at the hospital mortuary for autopsy.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Ahmed Chuso, visited the scene and ordered a thorough investigation into the matter.

Further investigations, including a review of CCTV footage within the Government House premises, led police to identify a suspect.

The statement revealed that one Shuaibu Adamu ‘M’, aged 19 years, also known as ‘Yaya Mama’ was seen assaulting the deceased prior to his death.”

The suspect, a casual watchman attached to a construction company handling projects within the Government House, reportedly fled the scene immediately after the incident.

However, the police said he was later arrested in a coordinated operation.

“At about 2300 hours on the same date, the suspect was tracked and arrested at his hideout in Bagadaza Quarters, Gombe,” the statement added, noting that during preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime.

The police said the suspect remains in custody while investigations continue to determine the full circumstances surrounding the homicide and to ensure diligent prosecution in accordance with the law.

The Command stated that it remains firmly committed to justice and the safety of all persons working within and around government facilities.

He added that further developments would be communicated as the investigation progresses.