Police Rescue Mentally-challenged Man Chained For 10 Years In Bauchi

Police operatives have rescued one Babangida Mohammed who had allegedly been chained for 10 years over mental illness by his father, Mohammed Lawal, in Shadawanka, a community on the outskirts of Bauchi metropolis in Bauchi State.

The victim was confined in chains by his 72-year-old father, Mohammed Lawal, who claimed he took the drastic step after his son developed a mental health condition.

Lawal admitted to restraining his son for years, saying he believed it was the only way to manage his worsening condition.

In a tragic twist, the decision fractured the family, as he divorced Babangida’s mother for insisting her son should receive proper medical treatment instead of being chained.

LEADERSHIP learnt that Babangida was found naked, with unkempt hair and heavy chains fastened with locks around his legs.

Confirming the incident on Monday, the spokesperson of the Bauchi State Police Command, SP Nafi’u Habib, said the victim had been rescued and would be taken to a hospital for medical attention.

He added that investigations were ongoing, assuring that anyone found culpable would be made to face the full wrath of the law.

The Village Head of Shadawanka, Muhammad Kabiru, explained that Babangida’s mental health challenge began while he was still in school.

According to him, the condition was suspected to have been triggered after the young man firmly refused to join a secret cult group.