A herbalist, Ismail Usman, sustained life-threatening injuries after testing a self-made “bulletproof” charm on himself in Kuchibuyi village, Abuja, on November 23.
Usman reportedly fortified himself with the charm before using a locally fabricated gun to shoot himself in the stomach. The charm, however, failed, leaving him critically injured.
FCT police spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday. According to Adeh, the police received a distress call from a resident named Shandam Michael, prompting officers from the Byazhin Division to rush Usman to Kubwa General Hospital. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, where doctors are working to save his life.
Adeh revealed that a search of Usman’s residence led to the recovery of the homemade gun and various charms used in the experiment.
She stated that Usman would face charges for unlawful possession of firearms and attempted suicide under Section 231 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.
The FCT Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, condemned the act, warning against the dangers of handling illegal firearms and engaging in such reckless practices.