An Abuja herbalist testing a ‘bulletproof’ charm shot himself, sustaining life-threatening injuries. Police recovered firearms and charms.

[dropcap]A[/dropcap] herbalist, Ismail Usman, suffered life-threatening injuries after testing a self-made ‘bulletproof’ charm in Kuchibuyi village, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, on November 23.

Usman reportedly fortified himself with the charm and shot himself in the stomach using a locally fabricated gun, believing the charm would shield him. However, the charm failed, leaving him severely injured.

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The FCT police command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday. A distress call from a resident, Shandam Michael, prompted officers from the Byazhin Division to respond.

The police found Usman in critical condition and rushed him 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.

Police conducted a search of Usman’s residence, recovering the homemade gun and various charms associated with the failed experiment.

Adeh stated that Usman would face charges for unlawful possession of firearms and attempted suicide, which contravenes Section 231 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.