Daniel Ujah: Benue Remand For Assault, Homicide Charges

• Former Benue councillor Daniel Ujah was remanded by the Otukpo Upper Area Court 2 on charges including attempted culpable homicide.
• Ujah, 43, faces allegations of criminal trespass, assault, causing grievous hurt, and threatening to kill a woman named Amina Iduh.
• The charges stem from a petition filed by Rebecca Adole, alleging Ujah beat her mother and pushed her into a fire on August 28, 2026.
• Despite a not-guilty plea and a bail application by his counsel, the magistrate ordered Ujah's remand at the Otukpo Correctional Centre.
• The case has been adjourned until September 22, 2026, for further mention.

The court's decision to deny bail and order remand for charges as severe as attempted culpable homicide, despite a not-guilty plea, highlights the judiciary's approach to cases involving grave allegations of violence and public safety concerns.

An ex-Benue councillor, Daniel Ujah, has been ordered to remain in custody following his arraignment on serious charges including attempted culpable homicide. The 43-year-old former representative for Awume-Icho Ward in Ohimini Local Government Area was remanded by the Upper Area Court 2 in Otukpo, Benue State, at the Otukpo Correctional Centre. This decision stems from allegations of assault and an attempt to commit culpable homicide, marking a significant development in the case involving the prominent local figure.

The Nigeria Police brought forth multiple charges against Ujah, encompassing criminal trespass, intimidation, criminal force and assault, and causing grievous hurt, in addition to the attempted culpable homicide charge. The legal proceedings commenced after a petition was lodged by Rebecca Adole at the Area Commander’s Office in Otukpo, detailing a disturbing incident. The remand of Daniel Ujah highlights the judicial system's response to grave accusations, particularly those involving public safety and severe bodily harm.

During the recent court session, Daniel Ujah entered a plea of not guilty to the array of charges leveled against him. His legal representative, Rev. O. Simon, who appeared on behalf of P.O. Ella, subsequently submitted an application requesting bail for the former councillor. However, the prosecuting counsel, Inspector Nancy Alechenu, strongly opposed this application, arguing against Ujah's release.

Presiding Magistrate Hasia Garuba, after considering the arguments presented by both sides, issued a ruling that Ujah be held at the Otukpo Correctional Centre. The magistrate's decision means the ex-Benue councillor will remain in remand pending further judicial proceedings. The matter has been adjourned until September 22, 2026, when it will be brought up for further mention, indicating ongoing legal scrutiny in this Benue State criminal trespass case.

The charges against Daniel Ujah are detailed in a First Information Report (FIR) identified as CR33/2026, which was made public on a Thursday. According to the FIR, the allegations trace back to an incident on August 28, 2026, at approximately 3:30 PM. It is alleged that Ujah unlawfully entered the compound belonging to Amina Iduh, who is the mother of the complainant, Rebecca Adole, in Akwutulo, Awume.

The report further claims that during this alleged intrusion, Ujah subjected Amina Iduh to multiple beatings and then forcibly pushed her into a fire. As a result of this alleged assault, the victim sustained injuries to her bottom and her clothing was burned. Police officers from Onyagede, Ohinmini LGA, transported Amina Iduh to a hospital where she is currently receiving medical treatment. The FIR also includes a grave accusation that Ujah threatened to kill the woman, asserting that no one would be able to prevent him from doing so. Rebecca Adole reportedly learned of the incident on August 31, 2026, around 4:00 PM, through a phone call from her uncle's son, Isaac Iduh, prompting her to file the petition. This case, involving Nigeria attempted culpable homicide charges, underscores the serious nature of the allegations.

This Otukpo Upper Area Court remand of Daniel Ujah serves as a critical procedural update for legal practitioners, particularly those involved in criminal defense within Benue State. The court's decision to deny bail and order remand for charges as severe as attempted culpable homicide, despite a not-guilty plea, highlights the judiciary's approach to cases involving grave allegations of violence and public safety concerns. It signals that individuals facing such serious accusations, even those with a public profile like an ex-councillor, are subject to stringent judicial oversight.

The ongoing proceedings will be closely watched for potential precedents regarding the handling of bail applications and the overall trajectory of cases involving high-profile defendants accused of violent crimes. The specifics of the alleged Daniel Ujah Benue remand assault, including the detailed account in the FIR, provide insight into the types of evidence and allegations that can lead to immediate remand, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigation and robust legal representation in such matters.

This case provides a procedural update for criminal defense lawyers in Benue State, highlighting the court's approach to bail applications and remands for serious charges like attempted culpable homicide, particularly when involving individuals with a public profile. It's a case to monitor for potential precedents regarding the handling of such offenses.

Source: Original reporting via PUNCH