Abuja Herbalist In Critical Condition After Shooting Self To Test ‘Bulletproof’ Charm

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has confirmed an ‘alarming incident’ involving a native doctor, Ismail Usman, from Kuchibuyi Village in the Kubwa area of Abuja, who accidentally shot himself while testing a self-made ‘bulletproof’ charm.

The incident, which occurred on Friday, November 23, 2024, left the herbalist hospitalised with severe gunshot injuries.

According to a statement released by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, Usman attempted to test the efficacy of the charm by shooting himself in the stomach with a homemade shotgun. Unfortunately, the charm failed to protect him, resulting in life-threatening injuries.

SP Adeh revealed, “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.”

The police responded swiftly to the scene and found Usman in critical condition. He was initially transported to the Kubwa General Hospital for emergency treatment before being transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital for advanced medical care.

The statement further detailed the police’s actions following the incident. “In the aftermath, police 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,” SP Adeh said.

Residents of Kuchibuyi Village expressed shock at the incident, describing Usman as a well-known herbalist in the area who often experimented with unconventional methods.