A 30-year-old man, Abdullahi Mohammed, who climbed a high-tension electricity pole in Mayo-Belwa, Adamawa State, demanding President Bola Tinubu’s resignation, has been admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Yola. The Adamawa State Police Command confirmed that Mohammed is currently undergoing psychiatric evaluation following his unusual protest last Friday.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, disclosed in an exclusive interview with Arewa PUNCH that Mohammed was rescued from the 33kV high-tension pole and taken into custody by police officers. During the rescue, officers discovered hard drugs, including Indian hemp, in his possession.
“When the police from the Mayo-Belwa division rescued Abdullahi Mohammed from the high-tension electricity pole, some hard drugs were found on him, including green leaves which he confessed to be Indian hemp,” Nguroje said.
He added, “The suspect further confessed during his interaction with the police that he takes Indian hemp and other hard drugs. His behavior was abnormal, so we had to take him to the psychiatric hospital for a detailed medical examination. We are still waiting for the medical results before deciding on the next steps.”
The incident occurred last Friday morning during the Mayo-Belwa market day, causing a stir in the area. Mohammed had climbed the 33kV electricity pole along the Yola-Jalingo highway and refused to come down, insisting that President Tinubu must resign before he would descend. His act of protest drew attention, and the police worked with local residents to persuade him to come down safely, which he eventually did on Saturday night.
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Nguroje stated that the man’s actions were not only dangerous but also illegal, noting that attempting suicide is a criminal offense under Nigerian law. “Attempting suicide is a criminal offense under our Constitution, so we are going to charge him to court,” he said.
He emphasized the police’s responsibility to protect lives and property, explaining that any attempt by an individual to harm themselves would lead to legal consequences. “It is the constitutional duty of the police to safeguard lives, and anyone trying to take their own life must face the full wrath of the law,” Nguroje stated.
Mohammed, who hails from Gashaka town in Taraba State, shocked the local community with his drastic actions. The police have not yet disclosed what charges he might face, pending the outcome of his psychiatric evaluation.
Local residents were instrumental in the successful resolution of the incident. Arewa PUNCH investigations revealed that the Adamawa Police Command sought the help of locals in Mayo-Belwa, who engaged with Mohammed and convinced him to come down from the pole.
The bizarre incident has raised concerns about the state of mental health and the use of hard drugs in the region. The outcome of Mohammed’s psychiatric tests will determine the next steps the authorities will take, but for now, the focus remains on his mental health evaluation.