Ex-Benue councillor remanded over alleged fire assault

Abimbola Joseph

A former Benue councillor, Daniel Ujah, has been remanded in custody after he was accused of beating a woman and pushing her into a fire.

Ujah, 43, who represented Awume-Icho Ward in Ohimini Local Government Area, was arraigned before the Upper Area Court 2, Otukpo, on allegations including criminal trespass, intimidation, assault causing grievous hurt and attempted culpable homicide.

The police alleged that the incident occurred on August 28 at Akwutolo Awume village, where Ujah reportedly entered the compound of Amina Iduh and attacked her.

According to the First Information Report, the former councillor allegedly subjected the woman to severe beating before pushing her into a fire.

The police said the attack left Iduh with burns and other injuries, while her clothes were also burnt.

She was taken to a hospital in Onyangede, Ohimini LGA, where she was receiving treatment, the police said.

The prosecution further alleged that Ujah threatened the woman during the incident, claiming that nobody could stop him if he killed her.

Ujah pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him before His Worship Hasia Garuba on Wednesday.

His lawyer, Rev. O. Simon, who appeared for P.O. Ella, applied for bail.

But the prosecution counsel, Inspector Nancy Alechenu, opposed the application and urged the court to keep the defendant in custody.

The court subsequently ordered Ujah’s remand at the Otukpo Correctional Centre.

The matter was adjourned until September 22 for further mention.

The case centres on allegations of a violent assault that the prosecution says could amount to an attempt to cause grievous harm and culpable homicide.

Ujah has not been convicted of any offence and remains entitled to the presumption of innocence as the case proceeds.

The prosecution will now present its case while the defendant will have an opportunity to challenge the allegations before the court.