PeakNews Online
The Kaduna State Police Command has revealed that Umar Mohammed, the man who attempted to breach security during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the state, is “of unsound mind” and acted out of excitement and a long-standing desire to meet the president.
Mohammed caused a stir last week at Murtala Square, Kaduna, when he attempted to approach the president mid-speech during the commissioning of state projects by Governor Uba Sani. Tinubu’s security aides quickly intervened, but the president was heard instructing, “Leave him alone.”
In a statement issued by police spokesperson Mansir Hassan, the Command said that preliminary investigation showed Mohammed, a resident of Anguwan Muazu, Kaduna, has a history of psychiatric illness.
“He is an ardent supporter of the president and the governor. He was among those screened and admitted into the venue wearing APC-branded attire,” the statement read.
Hassan explained that Mohammed, who carried placards bearing images of Tinubu and Governor Sani, suddenly breached the protocol barrier and jumped into the restricted area “out of curiosity and emotional excitement.”
“Upon interrogation, he stated that he acted out of anxiety and a desire to catch a closer glimpse of the president,” Hassan added.
The police also emphasized that no dangerous items were found on Mohammed during the screening or arrest.
Meanwhile, Kaduna State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Yusuf Muhammad, dismissed claims circulating on social media that the breach was a security threat, describing such narratives as “deliberately doctored for political gain.”
“The viral video was edited to distort the nature of the incident. It is unfortunate that some mischief-makers are politicizing what was essentially an emotional act by a mentally challenged supporter,” the commissioner said.
He further warned that those spreading misinformation would be identified, invited for questioning, and prosecuted if found culpable.
President Tinubu was in Kaduna to commission several developmental projects, including roads and healthcare facilities, as part of Governor Uba Sani’s first-year scorecard.
