An Area Court judge in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Dauda Hamman, has recounted how an 87-year-old defendant, identified as Dahiru Garba, allegedly cut his hand with a cutlass during a court proceeding.

The incident occurred on August 31, 2026, at the Mayo-Ine Area Court while the judge was presiding over a case between Garba and one Ismail Yusuf.

The Adamawa State Police Command, on Tuesday, said the suspect severely cut the judge’s hand, causing him grievous injuries.

The command’s spokesperson, Suleiman Nguroje, in a statement, said Garba was immediately arrested, and the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yola, on September 4, 2026, for investigation and prosecution.

Speaking from his hospital bed on Tuesday, Judge Hamman said the case involved a land dispute between the octogenarian defendant, Dahiru Garba of Korawa village, and a complainant, Ismail Yusuf.

He said both men were allocated farmlands by the emir, Marafa Maye, but the matter was brought to court after Garba allegedly encroached on the complainant’s property.

He said during the initial appearances, Garba pleaded not guilty and the trial proceeded. However, tensions flared during the testimony of a prosecution witness.

According to the judge, when the witness could not answer Garba’s questions during cross-examination, he intervened and instructed the court registrar to translate and repeat the testimony to ensure that the defendant understood the proceedings.

The judge said that instead of engaging with the evidence, Garba became angry and verbally abused him.

He said when the court registrar attempted to restore order, Garba escalated his threats, boasting that he would do “worse than that” to the presiding judge.

Sensing imminent danger, Judge Hamman ordered court security personnel to remand Garba and remove him from the courtroom.

As the officers attempted to escort him out, Garba reportedly broke free from their grip, brought out a short machete he had allegedly smuggled into the courtroom and rushed back towards the bench.

The judge said he raised his arms to shield his head but sustained severe injuries to his right hand before bystanders, identified as Abubakar Honourable, Malam Musa and his personal secretary, intervened and overpowered the attacker.

The judge was rushed to a local clinic before being transferred to a major medical centre for specialised treatment, where he is currently receiving treatment.

Suspect remanded

The suspect was on Monday arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Yola on a one-count charge of causing grievous hurt, contrary to Section 219 of the Penal Code Law of Adamawa State, 2018.

According to the police, the defendant pleaded guilty when the charge was read and interpreted to him.

He reportedly blamed the devil for his action and said he deeply regretted it.

The court, presided over by Chief Magistrate Ismail Bello Shelleng, ordered that the suspect be remanded at the Yola Correctional Facility pending further hearing.

The case was adjourned to September 17, 2026.

Commenting on the matter, a magistrate, who preferred not to be named, said the gravity of the potential charges would depend largely on the attacker’s intent.

“If he was aiming for the judge’s head, neck or shoulder, it would be considered attempted homicide, which is the most serious charge.

“However, if evidence shows he was only aiming for the hand, it would indicate no intent to kill,” the magistrate said.

He said that depending on the court’s findings on the issue of intent and the final charges filed by the prosecution, a conviction under the Penal Code could carry a sentence of life imprisonment.

The magistrate also called for an investigation into how an armed civilian managed to bypass security and enter the courtroom.

“First and foremost, there has to be decorum in a court of law. The security attached to the court must live up to expectations. It was negligence on the part of the security that led to this unfortunate incident,” he said.

He called for heightened security protocols across all lower courts, noting that bailiffs and judges frequently face intense hostility from litigants reacting to adverse rulings. (Daily Trust, but headline rejigged)