Ex-Councillor Remanded Over Alleged Attempt to Burn Woman in Benue

A former councillor in Benue State, Daniel Ujah, has been remanded at the Otukpo Correctional Centre over an alleged attack on a woman.

Ujah, 43, represented Awume-Icho Ward in Ohimini Local Government Area.

Police charged him with criminal trespass, intimidation, criminal force and assault.

He also faces allegations of causing grievous hurt and attempted culpable homicide.

The case followed a petition by Rebecca Adole to the Area Commander’s Office of the Nigeria Police in Otukpo.

The police filed the case under First Information Report, FIR, number CR33/2026.

The FIR alleged that Ujah invaded the compound of Adole’s mother, Amina Iduh, at Akwutulo, Awume, on August 28.

Police accused him of beating the woman repeatedly before pushing her into a fire.

The alleged attack left her with burns on her buttocks and damaged her clothes.

Police officers later took the woman to a hospital in Onyagede, Ohimini LGA.

She remained at the hospital while receiving treatment.

The police also alleged that Ujah threatened to kill the woman after the attack.

He allegedly told her that nobody could stop him.

Ujah appeared before the Upper Area Court 2, Otukpo, on Wednesday for the mention of the case.

He pleaded not guilty to all the allegations.

His lawyer, Rev. O. Simon, who appeared for P.O. Ella, asked the court to release him on bail.

However, the prosecuting counsel, Inspector Nancy Alechenu, opposed the bail application.

Presiding magistrate, Hasia Garuba, subsequently ordered Ujah’s remand at the Otukpo Correctional Centre.

The court adjourned the case until September 22, 2026, for further mention.