By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi
An Upper Area Court 1 Gboko local government area of Benue State on Friday 3rd July, 2026 ordered that, Mr. Joseph Hwande of Chigo settlement, Gboko south, be remanded at Gboko Correctional center over the alleged rape against a minor, Miss Ngohile Mpir.
It was learnt that Joseph, 55 years old allegedly took advantage of his wife’s nanny, a juvenile, Miss Ngohile Mchir, 11 years, severally, maltreated and intimidating her to remain silence.
Ngohile is said to be a displaced person whose mother gave her to the accused person in Gboko as a housemaid.
When the matter came up for hearing, the police prosecutor told the court that, following the continuous sexual assault and maltreatment, Ngohile fled the accused person’s house on 26th June, 2026 and was rescued by someone whose name was not disclosed, who handed her over to the local vigilante in Akaajime, Gboko and the matter reported to police B division Gboko.
Barr. Innocent Tyotsugh voluntarily appeared for the minor.
During the hearing, no plea was taken for bail as the case was adjourned to 29th July, 2026 for further hearing.
I’ll rewrite this as a clear, professional news story in a neutral tone, preserving facts and sensitive language.
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An Upper Area Court in Gboko Local Government Area, Benue State, on Friday, 3 July 2026, ordered that Mr. Joseph Hwande of Chigo settlement, Gboko South, be remanded at Gboko Correctional Centre over the alleged rape of a minor, identified as Miss Ngohile Mpir.
The prosecutor told the court that the 55‑year‑old Mr. Hwande allegedly sexually assaulted and repeatedly maltreated his wife’s nanny, an 11‑year‑old girl named Ngohile Mchir, and intimidated her into silence. The girl is reported to be a displaced person whose mother had given her to the accused to work as a housemaid in Gboko.
According to the prosecution, Ngohile fled the accused’s home on 26 June 2026 after enduring continuous abuse. She was reportedly found by an unnamed person who handed her to the local vigilante in Akaajime, Gboko, and the case was subsequently reported to Police Division B, Gboko.
Barrister Innocent Tyotsugh appeared for the minor. No plea or bail hearing was held. The matter was adjourned to 29 July 2026 for further proceedings.
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