Sunday, June 5, 2026 - An Upper Area Court I in Gboko, Benue State, on Thursday
remanded a 55-year-old man, Joseph Hwande, at the Gboko Correctional Centre for
alleged s3xual abuse of an 11-year-old girl in his care.
According to information presented before the court, the
defendant was arraigned by the police over allegations of committing an act of
gross indecency against the minor.
The prosecution further alleged that the child was
repeatedly intimidated to prevent her from reporting the alleged s3xual
abuse.
The prosecution told the court that the girl fled the
accused's residence on June 26, 2026, following repeated s3xual abuse and
maltreatment.
She was assisted by a resident who handed her over to
members of a local vigilante group in Akaajime, Gboko, before the matter was
transferred to the Police B Division in Gboko for investigation.
The prosecution also alleged that the child, said to be a
displaced Fulani girl, had been left in the care of the accused after
arrangements involving her mother.
The court ordered that the defendant be remanded at the
Gboko Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter until July 29, 2026.
Barrister Innocent Tyotsugh appeared in court on a voluntary
basis to represent the interests of the minor.
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