The Amasaman Circuit Court has remanded a 38-year-old herdsman, Umaru Asumin, into police custody for allegedly stealing five cattle belonging to his employer.
Umaru, who pleaded not guilty to the charge, was denied bail after the court found that he did not have a fixed place of abode, raising concerns that he might not appear to stand trial if granted bail.
The case is being heard by Justice Enid Marful-Sau, a High Court judge with additional responsibility at the Circuit Court. The accused has been ordered to reappear before the court on May 22, 2025.
Presenting the facts of the case, Police Chief Inspector Salifu Nashiru told the court that the complainant, Nashiru Awal, resides in Cambodia, near Spintex Road, and had inherited a herd of cattle. In February 2024, he entrusted the care of the animals to a man identified as Umaru Abdul.
However, due to illness, Umaru Abdul requested that the complainant find a replacement. Following a recommendation, Umaru Asumin was hired and placed in charge of 25 cattle.
According to the prosecution, trouble began in March 2025 when the accused took the cattle out to graze but abandoned them. The complainant later found the unattended animals and, upon counting, discovered that only 20 remained.
Subsequent efforts led to Umaru being traced to Ada on April 27, 2025, where he was later arrested on April 29.
After police investigations, he was charged and brought before the court. Justice Marful-Sau directed the prosecution to ensure that all necessary disclosure documents are served to the accused ahead of the next court date.