The Adamawa State Police Command has revealed that Abdullahi Mohammed, the 30-year-old man who climbed a 33 kV high tension electricity pole in Mayo-Belwa, demanding President Bola Tinubu’s resignation, has been admitted to the Yola Psychiatric Hospital for mental evaluation.
Police spokesperson SP Suleiman Nguroje, in an exclusive interview with Arewa PUNCH on Friday, stated that Mohammed is currently undergoing psychiatric tests at the hospital, which is located within the Specialist Hospital in Yola.
According to Nguroje, when the police from the Mayo-Belwa division rescued Mohammed, they found hard drugs, including what he admitted was Indian hemp, in his possession. He added that Mohammed confessed to regularly consuming Indian hemp and other drugs, which influenced his erratic behavior.
Nguroje explained, “He was behaving abnormally when we rescued him, so we took him to the psychiatric hospital for a detailed medical examination. We are awaiting the results before deciding on the next course of action.”
Mohammed’s rescue followed an intense standoff last Saturday when he climbed the high tension pole in Mayo-Belwa Local Government Headquarters, insisting he would not descend until President Tinubu resigned.
The police spokesperson also highlighted that attempting suicide is a criminal offense under Nigerian law. “It’s our duty to protect lives, and anyone attempting to take their life will face the law,” Nguroje said. He confirmed that once Mohammed’s mental state is assessed, legal action may follow.
The dramatic event, which occurred during Mayo-Belwa’s market day last Friday, drew significant attention from locals. Authorities, with the help of residents, eventually convinced Mohammed to come down safely on Saturday night.
Mohammed is originally from Gashaka town in Taraba State.