Police: Man who climbed mast in Abuja will be prosecuted if found mentally stable

The police command in the federal capital territory (FCT) says Shaibu Yusuf, who climbed a broadcast mast in Abuja, will be charged in court if he is found to be mentally stable.

On Monday, Yusuf caused a stir when he climbed a broadcast mast belonging to Aso Radio and Television in the Katampe area of Abuja to protest the prevailing economic hardship in the country.

In a note left on the floor, Yusuf said he would only descend from the mast 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, acting general manager of the FCT emergency management department.

Wenegieme assured him that his message would be delivered to the relevant authorities.

Josephine Adeh, spokesperson of the FCT police command, said Yusuf was in custody in a stable condition.

Giving an update on the matter on Tuesday, Adeh said the police had sent Yusuf to the FCT social development secretariat for mental evaluation.

“If found mentally stable after the test, he will be charged in court for attempted suicide, disturbance of public peace, and incitement,” said the FCT police spokesperson.

“The offences are contrary to sections 231, 111, and 114 of the Penal Code Act.”

Section 231 of the act states: “Whoever attempts to commit suicide and does any act towards the commission of such offence, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with a fine or with both.”