Police To Charge Herbalist Who Shot Self Testing ‘Bulletproof Charm’ For Attempted Suicide

Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have began investigation into the circumstances that led a local herbalist in Abuja, Ismail Usman to shoot himself while while testing the efficacy of a self-made bulletproof charm.

The herbalist was hospitalised after shooting himself in a bid to test the charm.

Police Public Relations Officer in FCT, SP Josephine Adeh confirmed the development on Saturday.

Adeh said Usman shot himself in the stomach with a shotgun and sustained life-threatening injuries.

She said, “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.”

The police image-maker said the herbalist was quickly transported to Kubwa General Hospital for emergency treatment and later transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital for further care.

She disclosed police operatives subsequently 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,” Adeh said.

FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, condemned the incident, highlighting the dangers associated with illegal firearms.

“This situation illustrates the serious risks of engaging in reckless behaviour. We strongly advise the community to avoid such dangerous practices,” the CP said.