The Gombe State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old casual watchman, Shuaibu Adamu, in connection with the killing of a fellow casual worker inside the Government House premises in Gombe.

According to the police, the suspect allegedly assaulted the victim shortly before his death and later fled the scene. The arrest followed the review of CCTV footage and a late-night manhunt within the state capital.

Distress Call and Discovery of the Body

Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Buhari Abdullahi, said the command received a distress call at about 3:50 p.m. on Friday reporting a suspected case of culpable homicide within Government House.

According to Abdullahi, officers who responded to the report found the victim, identified as Mallam Umar, a borehole operator, lying motionless inside the premises.

“Preliminary findings showed that his trousers were tied around his neck, while a local intoxicant popularly known as rubber solution was found in his mouth,” the police spokesperson said.

Umar was rushed to the Specialist Hospital in Gombe for emergency treatment. However, a medical doctor later confirmed him dead. His remains were subsequently deposited at the mortuary for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

CCTV Footage Leads to Arrest

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Gombe State, CP Umar Chuso, visited the scene shortly after the incident and ordered a comprehensive investigation.

According to the police, CCTV footage from the Government House revealed that Adamu, who is also known by the alias Yaya Mama, assaulted the deceased shortly before he collapsed. The suspect was seen leaving the premises immediately after the incident.

A follow-up operation was launched later that night, and at about 11:00 p.m. on Friday, police operatives tracked and arrested the suspect at Bagadaza Quarters in Gombe.

Suspect Confesses, Investigation Continues

DSP Abdullahi disclosed that during preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime. He added that Adamu would remain in police custody while investigations continue, after which he would be charged to court.

Security analysts say the swift use of surveillance footage highlights the growing role of technology in crime detection within sensitive government facilities. They also note that the incident raises concerns about the screening and supervision of casual workers in high-security locations.

The police command reassured residents of Gombe State of its commitment to public safety and accountability.

“The command remains determined to ensure justice is served and that all government facilities remain safe for workers and visitors,” Abdullahi said.