Benue: 55-Year-Old Man Remanded for Alleged S3xual Abuse of 11-Year-Old

An Upper Area Court I sitting in Gboko, Benue State, on Thursday, ordered the detention of 55-year-old Joseph Hwande at the Gboko Correctional Centre. Mr. Hwande is facing allegations of s3xually abusing an 11-year-old girl who was under his care.

During the court proceedings, police prosecutors presented charges against the defendant, accusing him of committing acts of gross indecency against the young minor. The prosecution further asserted that the child was subjected to repeated intimidation, which was intended to stop her from reporting the alleged s3xual abuse.

The court was informed that the girl eventually escaped from Mr. Hwande's residence on June 26, 2026, following continuous s3xual abuse and mistreatment. A concerned resident provided assistance, subsequently handing her over to members of a local vigilante group in Akaajime, Gboko. From there, the case was transferred to the Police B Division in Gboko for a thorough investigation.

It was also revealed by the prosecution that the child, identified as a displaced Fulani girl, had been placed in the accused's custody through arrangements made by her mother.

Following the submission, the court mandated that the defendant remain at the Gboko Correctional Centre and adjourned the proceedings until July 29, 2026, for further hearing. Barrister Innocent Tyotsugh voluntarily appeared in court to represent the interests of the minor.