Abdullahi Mohammed Receives Mental Health Evaluation After Climbing Power Pole
The Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed that 30-year-old Abdullahi Mohammed, who climbed a 33kv high-tension electricity pole in Mayo-Belwa last Friday, has been admitted to Yola Psychiatric Hospital for mental evaluation.
Police Public Relations Officer SP Suleiman Nguroje disclosed in an exclusive interview with Arewa PUNCH that Mohammed is undergoing psychiatric tests at a facility within the specialist hospital in Yola.
Nguroje stated, “When the police from the Mayo-Belwa division rescued Abdullahi Mohammed from the electricity pole, they found several hard drugs on him, including what he identified as Indian hemp.” He further noted, “During his interactions with the police, Mohammed confessed to regularly using Indian hemp and other hard drugs, which contributed to his abnormal behavior. We decided to take him to the psychiatric hospital for a thorough examination, and we are awaiting the medical results before determining the next steps.”
Last Saturday, the police had rescued and arrested Mohammed after he climbed the electricity pole and demanded that President Bola Tinubu resign before he would come down. The police spokesperson described Mohammed’s actions as suicidal, indicating that such behavior is a criminal offense under Nigerian law.
Nguroje emphasized the police’s duty to protect lives and property, stating, “Anyone attempting to take their life will face the full force of the law.” He added that Mohammed’s actions warranted legal consequences, as attempting suicide is considered a crime under the Nigerian Constitution.
On the morning of the incident, which coincided with the market day in Mayo-Belwa, Mohammed climbed the pole along the Yola-Jalingo highway, refusing to descend until the President vacated his position. Local residents assisted the police in persuading him to come down late Saturday night. Mohammed hails from Gashaka town in Taraba State.
Hyelsinta Hassan