A herbalist, Ismail Usman, is fighting for his life after suffering a life-threatening injury while testing a self-made ‘bulletproof’ charm in Kuchibuyi village in Abuja on November 23.

Eyewitness reports that Usman shot himself in the stomach with a locally fabricated gun, but the charm failed to protect him.

The FCT police command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident and stated that it had received a distress call from a resident on the incident.

Adeh disclosed that Usman was ruched to Kubwa General Hospital and later transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital due to the severity of his injuries.

She also said that Usman would face charges for unlawful possession of firearms and attempted suicide.

“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,” Adeh said.

“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.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police FCT, CP Olatunji Disu, condemned the incident, highlighting the dangers associated with illegal firearms.