87-Year-Old Man in Court After Allegedly Cuts Judge’s Hand During Proceedings

An 87-year-old man, identified as Dahiru Garba of Korawa Village, Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State, has been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Yola after allegedly attacking an Area Court judge with a cutlass and inflicting severe injuries on his hand.

Global Mirror News gathered that the incident occurred on August 31, 2026, at the Mayo-Inne Area Court in Fufore Local Government Area, while the presiding judge, Hon. Dauda Hamman, was handling a legal dispute involving the octogenarian and another man identified as Ismail Yusuf.

According to reports, Garba allegedly became angry during the proceedings after apparently feeling that the case was not going in his favour.

The elderly defendant was then said to have produced a cutlass and attacked the judge, repeatedly striking his hand and leaving him with grievous injuries.

The Adamawa State Police Command confirmed the incident in a statement issued by its spokesperson, SP Suleiman Nguroje.

Global Mirror News learnt that the injured judge was subsequently taken to hospital for medical attention and was responding to treatment.

Following the attack, the suspect was arrested by Police operatives and initially taken to the Mayo-Inne Police Station, where the incident was reported by the injured judge.

The case was subsequently transferred from the Divisional Police Headquarters, Fufore, to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Yola, on September 4, 2026, for further investigation.

After the Police concluded their preliminary investigation, Garba was brought before Chief Magistrate Court I, Yola, where he faced a one-count charge of causing grievous hurt.

Global Mirror News reports that the charge was brought under Section 219 of the Penal Code Law of Adamawa State, 2018.

When the charge was read and interpreted to him in court, Garba reportedly pleaded guilty.

During the proceedings, the 87-year-old defendant reportedly blamed the devil for his actions and expressed remorse, pleading for mercy.

The Police prosecutor, ASP Zakka Musa, presented the case before the court and informed the magistrate of the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack.

The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Isah Bello Shelleng, subsequently ordered that Garba be remanded at the Yola Correctional Facility pending further proceedings.

Global Mirror News gathered that the court adjourned the matter until September 17, 2026, for hearing.

The development has raised concerns over the safety of judicial officers and security within court premises, particularly following allegations that the judge was attacked during an active court proceeding.

The Adamawa State Police Command has assured the public that the case will be prosecuted to its logical conclusion.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Kabir Umar Hassan, said the command would ensure that the matter receives due attention and that justice is served.

The incident has also attracted condemnation from the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), Adamawa State chapter, which described the alleged assault on the judge as a serious attack on the judicial system and called for appropriate action.

Global Mirror News understands that the case remains before the court, with the defendant currently in custody pending the next hearing.

The development has continued to generate concern in Adamawa, particularly because of the reported circumstances of the alleged attack and the fact that it occurred while the court was sitting.

Global Mirror News will continue to monitor the proceedings and provide updates as the case progresses.