87-Year-Old Defendant Attacks Judge With Cutlass In Court

An Area Court judge presiding over Mayo-Ine Area Court in Fufore Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Dauda Hamman, has recounted how an 87-year-old defendant, Dahiru Garba, attacked him with a short machete during live court proceedings.

The incident occurred on August 31, 2026, while the judge was hearing a land dispute case between Garba, a resident of Korawa village, and a complainant identified as Ismail Yusuf.

The spokesperson for the Adamawa State Police Command, Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed in a statement that the suspect inflicted severe injuries on the judge’s right hand before being apprehended.

Nguroje stated that the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Yola on September 4, 2026, for detailed investigation and subsequent prosecution.

Recounting the violent episode from his hospital bed, Judge Hamman explained that the dispute arose after Garba allegedly encroached on property allocated to Yusuf by the local traditional ruler, Marafa Maye.

Tensions flared when a prosecution witness struggled during cross-examination, prompting the judge to direct the court registrar to translate the testimony to ensure the defendant understood the proceedings.

According to the judge, Garba responded with verbal abuse and, when cautioned by the court registrar, bragged that he would do “worse than that” to the presiding magistrate.

Judge Hamman ordered security personnel to remand Garba and escort him out of the courtroom to maintain order.

As security officers led him away, Garba broke free, pulled out a concealed short cutlass, and rushed toward the judicial bench.

The judge raised his arms to protect his head, sustaining deep cuts to his right hand before bystanders, including Abubakar Honourable, Malam Musa, and the judge’s personal secretary, intervened to disarm the attacker.

Hamman was initially rushed to a nearby clinic before being transferred to a specialist medical center for advanced care.

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

Garba pleaded guilty when the charge was read and translated, blaming the devil for his actions and expressing deep regret before the court.

Chief Magistrate Ismail Bello Shelleng ordered the defendant remanded at the Yola Correctional Facility, adjourning the case until September 17, 2026, for further hearing.

Commenting on the legal implications, a magistrate speaking anonymously noted: “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 noted that depending on the court’s findings regarding intent, a conviction under the Penal Code could carry a life sentence.

Criticizing security lapses, the magistrate added: “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 urged state authorities to strengthen security protocols across lower courts, noting that judicial officers frequently encounter threats from hostile litigants.