By Amuda Dan Sulaiman Fab
The traditional ruler of Onumaye community in Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi State, Muhammad Yakubu Danjuma, fondly called Otoze, has been remanded at the Kabba Correctional Facility following his arraignment before a Magistrate Court sitting in Lokoja.
The monarch was ordered into custody, on Thursday after he allegedly failed to honour several invitations extended to him by the Nigeria Police Force in connection with ongoing investigations into communal disturbances in parts of Lokoja Local Government Area.
The Magistrate directed that Danjuma be remanded for two weeks to enable security agencies conclude their investigations and ensure his availability for further proceedings.
The case was adjourned to February 5, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
The matter is reportedly linked to petitions earlier submitted by Lokoja Local Government authorities to security agencies over recurring security threats and communal crises involving the Sarkin-Noma community in Lokoja and Onumaye riverine communities.
Speaking to newsmen shortly after the court ruling, the Secretary of Lokoja Local Government Area, Hon. Abubakar Danjuma Muhammed, alleged that efforts to broker peace between the Sarkin-Noma community in Lokoja and the Onumaye community were violently resisted by thugs suspected to be sponsored by Otoze.
According to him, while pursuing a peaceful resolution alongside other stakeholders, the thugs attacked them with dangerous weapons, forcing them to flee the area.
He further disclosed that the Lokoja Local Government subsequently petitioned the Commissioner of Police over the incident.
Hon. Muhammed added that police officers later dispatched to Onumaye village to formally invite the traditional ruler were allegedly chased out of the community by the same group.
The traditional ruler was eventually arrested in Lokoja when he reportedly came to attend another court matter, he said.
Recall that years back, the same Danjuma led a well-armed group of thugs to stop a fishing festival (Dankwo) organized by the Lokoja Traditional Council, claiming that the pond (Dankwo) belongs to his community, Onumaye.
Since then, his foot soldiers have reportedly been disturbing the activities of fishermen and farmers in the area, further escalating tensions between the communities.
Reacting to the current development, the Kogi State Police Command confirmed the arrest and arraignment of the traditional ruler.
The Commandâs spokesperson said the police acted in line with the law following repeated failures by the suspect to honour invitations and allegations bordering on threats to public peace.
The police added that investigations into the alleged communal disturbances are ongoing, assuring residents that all parties involved would be treated fairly and that the Command remains committed to maintaining law and order across the state.
As of the time of filing this report, no plea had been taken, while issues bordering on bail are expected to be addressed when the case resumes.
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