The Adamawa State Police Command has revealed that Abdullahi Mohammed, a 30-year-old man who climbed a 33kV high-tension electricity pole in Mayo-Belwa, has been admitted to the Yola Psychiatric Hospital for mental health assessment. The incident occurred last Friday, where Mohammed demanded the resignation of Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and refused to come down from the pole.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, Mohammed was found with hard drugs, including Indian hemp, when police rescued him. “He confessed to using Indian hemp and other substances, and his behavior was abnormal, leading us to admit him for psychiatric evaluation
The young man, originally from Gashaka in Taraba State, staged the protest on Mayo-Belwa’s market day, drawing significant attention. He insisted that he would not descend from the power pole until President Tinubu stepped down from office. The standoff lasted until Saturday night when locals, enlisted by the police, managed to convince Mohammed to come down safely.
Nguroje explained that attempting suicide is a criminal offense in Nigeria, and Mohammed may face legal action. “It’s our constitutional duty to protect lives and ensure that individuals do not take their own lives. Anyone attempting to do so will face the law,” he said.
Mohammed is now undergoing a psychiatric evaluation at a specialist hospital in Yola, as the police await medical results to determine the next course of action.
