A man was arrested by the Adamawa State Police Command after he climbed a 33KV high tension electricity pole in Mayo-Belwa Local Government Area to demand the resignation of Nigeria’s President, Bola Tinubu. The unusual protest lasted nearly two days, with the man refusing to come down from the pole until his demands were met.
The dramatic event began on the morning of Friday, September 27, which was also a busy market day in Mayo-Belwa. The man, whose identity has not yet been revealed by the authorities, climbed the high-voltage pole situated along the Yola-Jalingo highway. Eyewitnesses reported that he repeatedly insisted that he would only descend if President Tinubu stepped down from office.
For hours, the man stayed perched high up on the dangerous power line, causing panic among locals and drawing the attention of both the police and the local community. Many feared for his safety, as the high tension line carried a significant risk of electrocution. Despite pleas from those on the ground, the man refused to leave his position throughout Friday and well into Saturday.
The Adamawa State Police Command was eventually called to the scene. According to reports, police officers, with the help of some community members, tried to negotiate with the man. It wasn’t until Saturday evening that they were able to convince him to come down from the pole safely.
Speaking on the incident, the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, confirmed that the man was arrested and taken into custody in Yola, the state capital. Nguroje explained that the individual would be facing legal consequences, stating, “The Command is going to parade the man today (Monday) for attempting suicide.” He added that attempting suicide is a criminal offense under Nigerian law, and the man would be charged in court.
Nguroje further emphasized that it is the responsibility of the police to safeguard lives, including those of individuals who attempt to harm themselves. “We are going to charge him to court,” he reiterated.
