Ismail Usman, a local herbalist, has sustained life-threatening injuries after testing a self-made “bulletproof” charm in Kuchibuyi village, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on November 23.

Usman reportedly used a locally fabricated gun to shoot himself in the stomach after fortifying himself with the charm. Unfortunately, the charm failed to protect him, leaving him severely injured.

The FCT police command spokesperson, Josephine Adeh, confirmed the incident in a statement on Saturday. She said that officers from the Byazhin Division responded to a distress call from a resident and rushed Usman to Kubwa General Hospital. Due to the severity of his injuries, he was later transferred to Gwagwalada Specialist Hospital, where doctors are working to save his life.

Adeh described the incident as a misguided attempt by Usman, known for his unconventional practices, to test the effectiveness of his homemade charm. “In a misguided attempt to test the effectiveness of a self-made ‘bulletproof’ charm, Usman shot himself in the stomach with a shotgun,” she said.

Following the incident, the police conducted a search of Usman’s home, recovering the homemade gun and various charms involved in his experiment. 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.

FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, condemned the incident, emphasizing the dangers of illegal firearms. Investigations are ongoing.