Benue court remands 55-year-old man over alleged s3xual abuse of 11-year-old girl in his care

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. 

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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.