This was disclosed in a post on the official X handle of the Nigerian Army on Wednesday.
According to the Army, Philip Gokas, also known as Jaykimo, was tracked and arrested in the Ogba area of Lagos State, where he was found having fun at a football viewing centre.
In addition to providing vital information that will help in the arrest of more suspects in Gokas was said to have admitted to the crime.
The post partly reads “The main mastermind behind the murder of the slain Alhaji Adamu Idris Gabdo, the Ardo of Panyam in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State has been apprehended by troops of Operation Safe Haven Tactical Team.
“The arrest of Philip Gokas also known as Jaykimo in Lagos State was following weeks of painstaking manhunt to bring the criminal to Justice.
“The relentless pursuit by OPSH led to his tracking and subsequent arrest in the Ogba area of Lagos State, where he was found enjoying himself and drinking beer at a football viewing centre.
“Gokas has fully confessed to the crime and has provided crucial information that will aid in the arrest of additional individuals involved in this heinous act in the coming days. This development serves as a clear warning to criminals that they cannot elude justice as security agencies retain the capacity and resilience to utilise all elements of national power to hold them accountable as directed by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen CG Musa.
“Recall that, following the murder of Ardo Panyam, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, directed Operation SAFE HAVEN to recover the body of the deceased, which was accomplished by the OPSH Tactical team in a remote area of Bauchi state and handed over to the family for burial. The directive further charged the troops to quickly hunt down the perpetrators and bring them to justice to prevent reprisals and a fresh circle of violence after the peace being enjoyed on the Plateau consequent upon the launch.
” The Commanding 3 Division and Commander Operation Safe Haven, Maj Gen AE Abubakar, expressed his heartfelt appreciation to the public for their support and cooperation throughout this investigation.
“The recovery of the body of the late Ardo of Panyam and the subsequent arrest of Philip Gokas would not have been possible without the invaluable assistance and information provided by the community.”
