87-Year-Old Man Arraigned After Alleged Cutlass Attack on Adamawa Judge

An 87-year-old defendant, Dahiru Garba, has been arraigned after allegedly attacking the presiding judge of the Mayo-Ine Area Court in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State with a cutlass during proceedings on August 31, 2026.

The Adamawa State Police Command said the judge, Hon. Dauda Hamman, sustained serious injuries to his hand during the incident. The attack reportedly occurred while the court was hearing a land dispute involving Garba and a complainant, Ismail Yusuf, over farmland allocated to both parties by Emir Marafa Maye.

Tensions reportedly escalated during the testimony of a prosecution witness after Garba became angry when the judge intervened to ensure he understood the evidence being presented. The judge said Garba verbally abused him and made threats before security personnel attempted to remove him from the courtroom, after which he allegedly broke free and returned towards the bench with a concealed machete.

Garba was arrested and later arraigned before Chief Magistrate Court I, Yola, on September 8, where he faced a one-count charge of causing grievous hurt under Section 219 of the Penal Code Law of Adamawa State, 2018, to which he pleaded guilty.

Following his plea, the court ordered Garba to be remanded at the Yola Correctional Facility and adjourned the case until September 17, 2026, while the judge continues his recovery. A magistrate who commented on the incident said the severity of any further charge would depend on evidence of Garba’s intent, particularly whether he intended to cause fatal harm or injury.

The magistrate also called for an investigation into how Garba allegedly entered the courtroom with a weapon, urging stronger security measures across lower courts to protect judges and other court officials.