The Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed that Abdullahi Mohammed, the 30-year-old man who climbed a 33kv high tension electricity pole in Mayo-Belwa, has been admitted to the Yola Psychiatric Hospital for mental evaluation. This development follows Mohammed’s dramatic protest last Friday, where he insisted that President Bola Tinubu must resign before he would descend from the pole.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Suleiman Nguroje, Mohammed is currently undergoing psychiatric testing at a specialist hospital in Yola. Nguroje revealed that when the police rescued Mohammed from the pole, they found hard drugs on him, including Indian hemp. Mohammed later admitted to using the drugs, which contributed to his abnormal behavior.
“He confessed during his interaction with the police that he consumes Indian hemp and other hard drugs,” Nguroje explained. “Due to his erratic behavior, we had to refer him to the psychiatric hospital for further examination. We are awaiting the medical results before deciding on the next steps.”
Last Saturday, the police managed to rescue and arrest Mohammed after he had scaled the high-voltage electricity pole in Mayo-Belwa, a town in Adamawa State. His protest was based on his demand for President Tinubu to vacate office. Nguroje pointed out that the act of attempting suicide is a criminal offense under Nigerian law, and Mohammed could face charges in court.
“It is our constitutional duty to protect lives and property. Anyone attempting to take their own life will face the full force of the law,” Nguroje emphasized.
The incident occurred on Mayo-Belwa’s market day, when Mohammed climbed the electricity pole along the Yola-Jalingo highway, refusing to come down until his demand was met. The police eventually sought the help of local residents, who convinced Mohammed to descend late Saturday night.
Mohammed hails from Gashaka town in Taraba State.
