A former councillor representing Awume-Icho Ward in Ohimini Local Government Area of Benue State, Daniel Ujah, has been remanded at the Otukpo Correctional Centre over the alleged physical assault and attempted homicide of an elderly farmer, Amina Iduh.
The 43-year-old suspect was arraigned by the Nigeria Police before the Upper Area Court 2 in Otukpo on charges including criminal trespass, intimidation, criminal force, assault causing grievous hurt, and attempted culpable homicide.
The court order followed a petition filed at the Area Commander’s Office in Otukpo by the victim’s daughter, Rebecca Adole, regarding an incident that occurred on August 28, 2026, at Akwutulo, Awume.
Suspect allegedly pushed victim into open fire
According to the First Information Report (FIR), marked CR33/2026, Ujah unlawfully entered Iduh’s compound shortly after she returned from her farm. He allegedly beat her repeatedly before shoving her into an open fire.
The assault left the victim with severe burn injuries on her lower body and destroyed her clothing. She was subsequently rescued and transported by police officers from Onyagede to a nearby hospital, where she continues to receive medical treatment.
The prosecution further stated that Ujah issued death threats against the victim during the attack, boasting that no one could prevent him from harming her.
Court denies bail, adjourns trial to late September
Appearing before Presiding Magistrate Hasia Garuba, Ujah pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Defence counsel Rev. O. Simon, holding brief for P.O. Ella, requested that the court grant the defendant bail.
However, the prosecuting counsel, Inspector Nancy Alechenu, opposed the application based on the severity of the alleged offenses and the nature of the victim’s injuries.
Delivering her ruling, Magistrate Garuba rejected the bail application and ordered Ujah remanded at the Otukpo Correctional Centre. The case was adjourned until September 22, 2026, for further mention.
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