Bulletproof ‘juju’ fails as Abuja herbalist shoots self in the stomach
A herbalist, Ismail Usman, has been left with life-threatening injuries after shooting himself in the stomach with a shot gun “in a misguided attempt to test the effectiveness of a self-made ‘bulletproof’ charm”, the Federal Capital Territory Police Command has said.
A press release by the Police Public Relations Officer for the FCT, SP Josephine Adeh, stated as follows:
“On November 23, 2024, an alarming incident unfolded in Kuchibuyi Village that drew the attention of the FCT Police Command. A distress call from Shandam Michael reported a shocking event involving Ismail Usman, a local herbalist known for his unconventional methods. In a misguided attempt to test the effectiveness of a self-made ‘bulletproof’ charm, Usman shot himself in the stomach with a shotgun.
“Unfortunately, the charm failed to protect him, resulting in life-threatening injuries. Officers from the Byazhin Division responded swiftly, arriving at the scene to find Usman in critical condition. He was quickly transported to Kubwa General Hospital for emergency treatment and later transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital for further care.
“In the aftermath, police conducted a thorough search of Usman’s home, recovering the homemade gun and an array of charms used in his reckless experiment. Investigations are ongoing, and Usman is expected to face charges for unlawful possession of firearms and attempted suicide under Section 231 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria”.
CP Olatunji Disu, the FCT’s Commissioner of Police, denounced the incident and emphasised the risks connected to illegal weaponry. This circumstance serves as an example of the grave dangers associated with acting carelessly.
The Police urged the public to abstain from such risky behaviours.
The FCT Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, emphasised the value of community watchfulness,p adding that It is imperative that locals watch out for one another and report any questionable activity.
