A local herbalist in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Ismail Usman, sustained severe injuries after shooting himself while testing a self-made “bulletproof” charm.
The incident occurred on November 23 in Kuchibuyi Village, according to the FCT Police Command.
Josephine Adeh, spokesperson for the command, confirmed the incident on Saturday, stating that Usman attempted to prove the effectiveness of his charm by firing a shotgun at himself. The reckless experiment left him in critical condition.
Police officers from the Byazhin Division responded promptly to a distress call from a resident, Shandam Michael, and found Usman severely injured. He was immediately rushed to Kubwa General Hospital for emergency care before being transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital for advanced treatment.
Following the incident, law enforcement conducted a search of Usman’s residence. “The police recovered the homemade gun used in the experiment, along with an assortment of charms,” Adeh said.
The herbalist now faces legal consequences, with charges of unlawful possession of firearms and attempted suicide under Section 231 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.
Adeh stressed the importance of community vigilance and prompt reporting of suspicious activities. “This unfortunate incident highlights the dangers of reckless behavior. It’s crucial for residents to look out for one another and report any unusual or suspicious activities,” she said.
