The Nigeria Police Force in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, has said a native doctor, Ismail Usman, in Kuchibuyi Village, Kubwa, shot himself and landed in hospital while testing a ‘bulletproof’ charm.

The police said on Saturday that the incident occurred on Friday, adding that the herbalist was quickly transported to the Kubwa General Hospital for emergency treatment and later transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital for further care.

SP Josephine Adeh, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, noted that Usman would face charges for unlawful possession of firearms and attempted suicide under Section 231 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.

The police said, “On November 23, 2024, an alarming incident unfolded in Kuchibuyi Village that drew the attention of the FCT Police Command. A distress call from Shandam Michael reported a shocking event involving Ismail Usman, a local herbalist known for his unconventional methods. In a misguided attempt to test the effectiveness of a self-made ‘bulletproof’ charm, Usman shot himself in the stomach with a shotgun.

“Unfortunately, the charm failed to protect him, resulting in life-threatening injuries. Officers from the Byazhin Division responded swiftly, arriving at the scene to find Usman in critical condition. He was quickly transported to Kubwa General Hospital for emergency treatment and later transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital for further care.

“In the aftermath, police conducted a thorough search of Usman’s home, recovering the homemade gun and an array of charms used in his reckless experiment. Investigations are ongoing, and Usman is expected to face charges for unlawful possession of firearms and attempted suicide under Section 231 of the Penal Code Law of Northern Nigeria.”

A Federal High Court in Abuja has remanded 109 foreign nationals accused of cybercrime, including high-level hacking and threats to national security, in the Nigerian Correctional Service facility in Keffi, Nasarawa State.

Justice Ekerete Akpan, who granted bail to the defendants on Friday, ruled that they would remain in custody until their bail conditions are fulfilled.

The defendants were instructed to provide five sureties, each required to submit a N200 million bail bond and a landed property within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Additionally, the sureties must deposit the title documents of the property and their passports with the court’s deputy chief registrar until the case is resolved.

The foreign nationals, facing six counts related to cybercrime, include 113 individuals—87 men and 26 women—from countries such as China, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Brazil, the Philippines, and Malaysia. There are also 17 Nigerian nationals involved.

The case has been adjourned until February 27, 2025, for further proceedings.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has acquitted and ordered the immediate release of 50 members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) who had been facing terrorism charges.

Justice James Omotosho ruled on Friday that the prosecution failed to present sufficient evidence linking the defendants to an unlawful organization or proving their involvement in acts of terrorism.

As a result, the three-count charge against them was dismissed, and they were discharged and acquitted.

The defense lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor Esq., had previously expressed concern over the prolonged detention of the accused, who were arrested in December 2023 while attending a funeral.