Human Rights Group Condemns Police Plan to Charge Man for Attempted Suicide

Matilda Omonaiye/

The FCT Police have announced plans to charge Shuaibu Yushau, who climbed a broadcast mast in Abuja on Monday, with attempted suicide, disturbance of public peace, and incitement.

According to FCT Police spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh Daniel, in a post on X, Yushau has been sent to the Social Development Secretariat for a mental evaluation.

She stated: “…If found mentally stable, he will face charges under sections 231, 111, and 114 of the Penal Code Act.”

Human rights defenders at IPC Justice have protested this decision, calling it “utterly absurd and outrageous.”

They argue that charging Yushau, who was in evident distress, demonstrates a severe lack of empathy and understanding of mental health issues.

“Attempted suicide is not a crime but a cry for help,” IPC Justice stated in its response on X. “Charging someone for their mental health struggles is not only cruel but counterproductive, as it further stigmatizes those in need and discourages others from seeking the help they desperately require.”

Yushau had climbed a high broadband mast at ASO Radio in Katampe, Abuja, and attempted to commit suicide if fuel subsidy is not returned and the spate of rising insecurity is not arrested.

IPC Justice is urging the authorities to provide Yushau with the mental health support and care he needs rather than resorting to punitive measures. They argue that this situation demands compassion and a reassessment of how mental health crises are addressed within the legal system.

“This ridiculous and heartless response from the authorities must be condemned in the strongest terms,” IPC Justice stated. “It’s time for serious reform to ensure that vulnerable individuals are treated with dignity and care, rather than being subjected to further trauma through misguided legal actions.”

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