EX-BENUE COUNCILLOR REMANDED AFTER WOMAN ALLEGEDLY PUSHED INTO FIRE

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 following allegations of assault and attempted culpable homicide.

Ujah, 43, was arraigned before the Upper Area Court 2 in Otukpo by the Nigeria Police on charges including criminal trespass, intimidation, criminal force and assault, causing grievous hurt, as well as an alleged attempt to commit culpable homicide.

The case followed a petition submitted by Rebecca Adole at the Area Commander’s Office in Otukpo. According to the First Information Report marked CR33/2026, the complainant alleged that the incident occurred on August 28, 2026, at her mother’s residence in Akwutulo, Awume.

The police report alleged that Ujah entered the compound of Adole’s mother, Amina Iduh, without permission and attacked her after she returned from the farm. The allegation further stated that the woman was beaten and pushed into a fire, leaving her with injuries and burns to her clothing.

Following the incident, police reportedly took the woman to a hospital in Onyagede, Ohimini Local Government Area, where she was receiving medical treatment. The First Information Report also alleged that Ujah threatened to kill the woman and claimed that nobody would be able to prevent him from doing so.

When the matter was brought before the court for mention on Wednesday, Ujah pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. His lawyer, Rev. O. Simon, who appeared on behalf of P.O. Ella, subsequently asked the court to release the former councillor on bail.

The prosecution, however, opposed the bail application. Inspector Nancy Alechenu, who represented the prosecution, urged the court not to grant the request as the matter proceeded.

After considering the submissions, the presiding magistrate, Hasia Garuba, ordered that Ujah be remanded at the Otukpo Correctional Centre pending further proceedings in the case.

The court subsequently adjourned the matter until September 22, 2026, when it is expected to come up for further mention.

The allegations against Ujah have not been established as facts in court. His plea of not guilty means the case remains before the court, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty according to law.