An 87-year-old man, identified as Dahiru Garba, has been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Yola, Adamawa State, for allegedly attacking an Area Court judge with a cutlass during a court proceeding in Fufore Local Government Area.
The incident reportedly occurred on August 31, 2026, at the Mayo-Ine Area Court in Fufore while the presiding judge, Hon. Dauda Hamman, was hearing a case involving Garba and another man identified as Ismail Yusuf.
According to the Adamawa State Police Command, Garba allegedly attacked the judge during the proceeding and repeatedly struck his hand with a cutlass, causing what the police described as grievous injuries. The suspect, who is from Korawa village in Fufore, was reportedly arrested shortly after the incident. The case was initially handled by the Divisional Police Headquarters in Fufore before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Yola on September 4 for further investigation and prosecution.
Following the conclusion of the investigation, Garba was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court I, Yola, on September 8. The court was presided over by Chief Magistrate Ismail Bello Shelleng. Police charged the octogenarian with one count of causing grievous hurt, contrary to Section 219 of the Penal Code Law of Adamawa State, 2018.
When the charge was read and interpreted to him, Garba reportedly pleaded guilty. According to the police, he blamed the devil for his action and expressed regret over the incident. The court subsequently ordered that Garba be remanded at the Yola Correctional Facility pending further hearing.
The Adamawa State Commissioner of Police, CP Kabir Hassan, assured the public that the case would be diligently prosecuted to ensure that justice is served.
The incident has drawn attention because it occurred inside a courtroom, where proceedings are expected to be conducted under strict security and order. It also highlights the need for adequate security arrangements around courts and judicial officers, particularly during contentious proceedings.
The circumstances surrounding the dispute that preceded the alleged attack remain subject to the court process. Garba's guilty plea is now part of the judicial proceedings, while the court will determine the appropriate legal outcome based on the charge before it.
The case is expected to continue as the authorities pursue the prosecution of the elderly defendant.