By Staff Reporter
The Chief Judge of Taraba State, Justice Joel Filibus Agya, has ordered the immediate transfer of a high-profile assault case involving a minor from Donga to Jalingo, citing safety concerns and the need for swift justice.
The case, Commissioner of Police vs. Mrs. Ramatu Abass, stems from the alleged assault of Miss Iwasen Terhemba, a teenager, who reportedly sustained grievous injuries during an incident in Donga Local Government Area.
Speaking through the Acting Deputy Chief Registrar of the State High Court, Mrs. Victoria Barnabas, Justice Agya said the directive was issued to protect the victim and her family, whose lives were said to be under threat, and to ensure the case proceeds without intimidation.
According to Mrs. Barnabas, the Chief Judge became aware of the matter on January 24, 2026, following reports of the assault. She disclosed that the Wife of the Taraba State Governor and Commissioner for Women Affairs and Child Development intervened to ensure the immediate relocation of the victim and her family to Jalingo for their safety.
Justice Agya subsequently directed that the case be transferred from the Chief Magistrate Court in Donga to a court in Jalingo to guarantee an atmosphere free of fear and external pressure.
Acting on the directive, the Deputy Chief Registrar contacted the presiding magistrate in Donga, Hon. Idris Husseini Ardo, wh confirmed that the police had indeed filed a case against Mrs. Abass for allegedly causing grievous harm to a minor.
She also informed the Divisional Police Officer in Donga, CSP Binfa Nannim, of the transfer order. The police agreed to withdraw the First Information Report (FIR) to allow for the amendment of charges and the relocation of proceedings to Jalingo.
However, developments took a controversial turn on January 26, 2026, when the Donga Magistrate Court granted the withdrawal of the FIR but proceeded to entertain and approve a bail application for the defendant, despite objections from the police prosecutor.
Mrs. Barnabas explained that the magistrate justified his decision on the grounds that the offence was bailable and that the Chief Judge’s directive had not been formally conveyed in writing at the time.
In response, Justice Agya issued a formal written order on January 27, 2026, directing the immediate transfer of the case file and the defendant to the police for onward movement to Jalingo.
The Chief Judge confirmed that the presiding magistrate has acknowledged receipt of the directive, while the judiciary awaits full compliance.
The case has continued to draw public attention following reports that Mrs. Ramatu Abass allegedly attacked the teenage victim, causing serious injuries. Follow krestnews.com