‎Taraba CJ Swiftly Transfers Assault Case to Jalingo for Victim’s Safety, Swift Justice

By Tgnews Reporter

‎In a decisive move to ensure the safety of a teenage assault victim and guarantee fair proceedings, the Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Agya, has ordered the immediate transfer of a high-profile assault case from Donga to a Chief Magistrate Court in Jalingo.

‎The case involves the Commissioner of Police versus Mrs. Ramatu Abass, accused of grievously assaulting a minor, Miss Iwasen Terhemba, by allegedly inflicting severe razor blade cuts on her body and face in Donga Local Government Area.

‎Speaking to newsmen in Jalingo through Mrs. Victoria Barnabas, the Acting Deputy Chief Registrar of the State High Court, Justice Agya explained that the directive aims to protect the victim—a minor whose life has reportedly been threatened—and to facilitate quick, fearless justice delivery.

‎The Chief Judge’s intervention followed reports brought to his attention on January 24, 2026, regarding the assault on the minor by Mrs. Abass.

The wife of the Executive Governor of Taraba State and Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development, upon learning of the incident, promptly ordered the transfer of the victim and her family to Jalingo for their safety amid threats to their lives.

‎”My Lord directed that the matter be transferred from the Chief Magistrate Court in Donga to a court in Jalingo to ensure the safety of the victim and allow parties to attend court without fear of intimidation,” Mrs. Barnabas quoted the Chief Judge.

‎Acting on these instructions, the Acting Deputy Chief Registrar contacted the presiding Magistrate in Donga, Hon. Idris Husseini Ardoto, who confirmed that the police had filed a case against Mrs. Abass for causing grievous harm to a minor.

She informed him of the Chief Judge’s order for transfer, noting that as a police matter, the police would withdraw the First Information Report (FIR) and the defendant would be moved to Jalingo.

‎The Donga Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Binfa Nannim, was also briefed and agreed to withdraw the FIR and facilitate the defendant’s transportation to Jalingo, with arrangements made by the Chief Judge for police escorts.

‎On January 26, 2026, the police prosecutor, Inspector Wunama Kwandi, reported that the case was called in Donga court. The prosecution applied to withdraw the FIR to amend charges, with no objection from the defense.

The magistrate granted the withdrawal but proceeded to entertain—and grant—a bail application from the defendant’s counsel, despite objections from the prosecutor.

The court cited the offense as bailable, admitted the defendant to bail with a surety, and adjourned the matter to February 8, 2026, for amended charges.

‎Later that day, the presiding magistrate informed the Acting Deputy Chief Registrar that bail was granted post-FIR withdrawal because the Chief Judge’s directive had not been formally conveyed in writing, as all correspondence must be documented.

‎Consequently, on January 27, 2026, Justice Agya officially issued and conveyed a written order directing the immediate transfer of the case file and the defendant to the police for onward movement to Jalingo. The presiding magistrate has acknowledged receipt of the letter, and his office awaits full compliance.

‎The incident, which has drawn widespread public concern, involved Mrs. Ramatu Abass allegedly attacking Miss Iwasen Terhemba—a 17-year-old minor—inflicting grievous bodily harm with a razor blade over allegations related to the victim’s supposed involvement with the accused’s husband.

‎This transfer underscores the judiciary’s commitment to protecting vulnerable victims, particularly minors, and ensuring justice is administered without hindrance or fear in Taraba State.