‘He has persistent worry and fears’ — police release man who climbed mast in Abuja

The federal capital territory (FCT) police command has released Shuaibu Yusuf, a resident, who climbed a broadcast mast belonging to the Aso Radio and Television. 

Josephine Adeh, police spokesperson in the FCT, said on Friday that Yusuf was released to Deji Adeyanju, his lawyer.

On July 8, Yusuf climbed the mast to protest the prevailing economic hardship in the country.

He also demanded that the petrol subsidy regime, ended by President Bola Tinubu on May 29, 2023, be returned.

In a note left at the feet of the mast, Yusuf said he would only come down from the tower if economic hardship, insecurity, and the out-of-school children crisis were addressed.

He came down from the mast after several minutes of persuasion by Florence Wenegieme, the acting general manager of the FCT emergency management department.

Yusuf was subsequently taken into police custody. The FCT police spokesperson said he would be sent to the social development secretariat (SDS) for mental evaluation.

On the outcome of the test, Adeh said the evaluation found Yusuf to be mentally stable but having symptoms of anxiety.

“On Thursday, July 18, 2024, the FCT police command released Alhaji Yushau Shuaibu on bail to his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju,” the statement reads.

“Shuaibu who was arrested for climbing the Aso Radio mast. He was referred to the FCTA SDS for a mental assessment, which found him mentally stable.

“However, symptoms of anxiety, persistent worry, and fears were noted during his profiling.

“The SDS recommended that he receive further psycho-social care and support, which contributed to the decision to release him on bail.”