COURT REMANDS FORMER BENUE COUNCILLOR OVER ALLEGED ATTACK ON WOMAN

A former councillor in Benue State, Daniel Ujah, has been remanded at the Otukpo Correctional Centre following allegations that he assaulted a woman and pushed her into a fire during an incident in Ohimini Local Government Area.

Ujah, 43, who previously represented the Awume-Icho Ward, was brought before the Upper Area Court 2 in Otukpo by the police. He is facing allegations including criminal trespass, intimidation, criminal force and assault occasioning grievous hurt, as well as attempted culpable homicide.

The case reportedly followed a petition submitted by Rebecca Adole concerning an incident said to have occurred on August 28, 2026, at Akwutulo in Awume. According to the First Information Report presented before the court, Adole alleged that her mother, Amina Iduh, was attacked after returning from the farm.

The FIR alleged that the accused unlawfully entered the woman’s compound and subjected her to physical assault before she was pushed into a fire. The incident reportedly left her injured, including burns to her body, after which she was taken for medical treatment.

The prosecution also alleged that the confrontation involved threats to the victim’s life. The allegations formed part of the case presented to the court as the police sought judicial custody while further investigation continued.

Ujah, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. His legal counsel subsequently requested that the court grant him bail, while the prosecution opposed the application and urged the court to keep him in custody as the case progressed.

Following the arguments, the court ordered that the former councillor be remanded at the Otukpo Correctional Centre. The matter was adjourned until September 22, 2026, for further proceedings.

The case has attracted attention because of the seriousness of the allegations, particularly the claim that the victim was pushed into a fire. However, the accusations against Ujah have not been established in court, and his not-guilty plea means the prosecution will be required to prove its case through evidence as the proceedings continue.

The next court sitting is expected to determine the subsequent direction of the case, including consideration of the defendant’s bail position and further steps in the prosecution.