A 30-year-old man, Abdullahi Mohammed, who caused a stir by climbing a high-tension electricity pole in Mayo-Belwa, Adamawa State, demanding the resignation of President Bola Tinubu, has been admitted to the Yola Psychiatric Hospital for mental evaluation. The incident took place last Friday and has since raised concerns over Mohammed’s mental health.
The Adamawa State Police Command revealed that Mohammed’s unusual behavior led to his arrest after he ascended a 33kv power pole in Mayo-Belwa, refusing to come down unless President Tinubu vacated his position. The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, explained during an interview with Arewa PUNCH that Mohammed is currently undergoing psychiatric tests at the specialist hospital in Yola. This step was taken to understand his mental condition following his erratic actions.
Nguroje stated, “When the police from the Mayo-Belwa division rescued Abdullahi Mohammed from the 33kv high tension electricity pole, some hard drugs were discovered on him including green leaves which he confessed to be Indian hemp.” He added that Mohammed admitted to using Indian hemp and other hard substances, and his abnormal behavior raised suspicions of a mental health crisis. Therefore, the police transferred him to the psychiatric facility for a thorough examination.
The Adamawa Police Command confirmed that Mohammed was rescued late Saturday night after police officers and local residents worked together to convince him to descend. The police emphasized that his actions were seen as a suicide attempt, which is a criminal offense under Nigerian law. Nguroje reiterated, “Attempting to commit suicide is a criminal offence under our Constitution, so we are going to charge him to court.”
The police spokesman also explained that it is the duty of the police to protect lives and property, which includes preventing individuals from harming themselves. Mohammed, a resident of Gashaka town in Taraba State, is expected to face legal consequences for his actions.
