Ex-Benue councillor lands in prison for allegedly pushing woman 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 over the alleged assault of a woman.

Ujah, 43, was arraigned before the Upper Area Court 2, Otukpo, on charges bordering on criminal trespass, intimidation, criminal force and assault, causing grievous hurt and attempted culpable homicide.

According to the First Information Report, FIR, marked CR33/2026, the case followed a petition submitted to the Area Commander’s Office of the Nigeria Police in Otukpo by Rebecca Adole.

The FIR alleged that on August 28, 2026, Ujah trespassed into the compound of Adole’s mother, Amina Iduh, at Akwutulo, Awume, and assaulted her.

Police alleged that Ujah beat the woman several times before pushing her into a fire, causing injuries to her buttocks and burning her clothes.

The victim was subsequently taken to a hospital by police officers in Onyagede, Ohimini LGA, where she was receiving treatment.

The FIR further alleged that Ujah threatened to kill the woman, claiming that nobody would be able to stop him.

When the matter came up for mention on Wednesday, Ujah pleaded not guilty to the charges.

His counsel, Rev. O. Simon, who held brief for P.O. Ella, applied for bail on his behalf.

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

The presiding magistrate, Hasia Garuba, subsequently ordered that Ujah be remanded at the Otukpo Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.

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