Elderly Man in Court After Cutlass Attack on Judge in Adamawa

An 87-year-old man from Korawa village, Dahiru Garba, has found himself at the centre of a case that has left an entire community talking, after he allegedly attacked a presiding judge with a cutlass during a court session in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

The drama played out on August 31, 2026, at the Mayo-Ine Area Court, where Garba was appearing in a case involving himself and one Ismail Yusuf.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday by the Adamawa State Police Command spokesman, SP Suleiman Nguroje, the presiding judge, Hon. Dauda Hamman, was attacked mid-session.

‘On 31st August, 2026, there was mild drama at Mayo-Ine Area Court, Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State, after an 87-year-old man, Dahiru Garba of Korawa village, allegedly cut off the hand of the Presiding Judge, Hon. Dauda Hamman, with a cutlass,’ the statement read.

Nguroje explained further, saying, ‘The suspect attacked the presiding Judge with a cutlass and severally cut his hand, causing him grievous injuries.’

Police operatives moved swiftly to arrest Garba following the attack, and the case was transferred from the Divisional Police Headquarters, Fufore, to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yola, on September 4, 2026, for further investigation.

By Monday, September 8, 2026, investigations had been completed, paving the way for Garba's arraignment before Chief Magistrate Court I, Yola, presided over by Chief Magistrate Ismail Bello Shelleng, on a one-count charge of causing grievous hurt, contrary to Section 219 of the Penal Code Law of Adamawa State, 2018.

When the court read and explained the charge to him, the elderly defendant pleaded guilty, blaming the devil for his actions and expressing deep regret over what he had done.

The court subsequently ordered that Garba be remanded to the Yola Correctional Facility pending further hearing.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Kabir Hassan, has assured the public that the matter would be diligently prosecuted to ensure justice is served.