A tragic incident unfolded in Kuchibuyi village, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on November 23, when a local herbalist, Ismail Usman, suffered life-threatening injuries while testing a self-made “bulletproof” charm. Usman, reportedly confident in the protective power of his concoction, fortified himself with the charm before shooting himself in the stomach using a locally fabricated gun. Sadly, the charm failed, leaving him critically injured.
The Federal Capital Territory Police Command confirmed the event in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, on Saturday. Adeh explained that a distress call from Shandam Michael, a local resident, alerted the authorities to the shocking event. Officers from the Byazhin Division promptly responded, arriving at the scene to find Usman in critical condition. He was immediately rushed to Kubwa General Hospital for emergency treatment. Given the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, where medical personnel are working tirelessly to save his life.
During their investigation, police recovered the homemade firearm and a collection of charms used in Usman’s ill-fated experiment. Adeh revealed that Usman would face legal repercussions for his actions, including charges of unlawful possession of firearms and attempted suicide, both of which contravene Section 231 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.
FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, condemned the incident, stressing the risks posed by illegal firearms and reckless behavior. He urged the public to exercise caution and avoid similar dangerous experiments.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with authorities committed to addressing the legal and safety issues surrounding the use of illegal weapons and unverified protective charms.
Emmanuel Onwuka 
Admin