The Kaduna State Police Command has provided clarification following the circulation of a video showing a young man attempting to approach President Bola Tinubu during his recent visit to the state.
The incident took place on Thursday, June 19, while the President was addressing a crowd at Murtala Square in Kaduna. In the midst of the event, a young man suddenly dashed toward the direction of the President but was swiftly intercepted by security operatives before he could get too close.
In a statement released the following day, Friday, June 20, the spokesperson for the Command, Mansur Hassan, revealed that the individual involved has been identified as Umar Mohammed, a resident of Anguwan Muazu in Kaduna. According to the police, Umar has a known history of mental health challenges.
“He is an ardent supporter of mr. president and the Governor according to our findings. Nevertheless he was screened and admitted into the stadium as an APC supporter, wearing the standard campaign T-shirt and carrying banners bearing the images of the President and the Governor, like every other supporter screened and admitted into the Stadium by the event screening team.
“According to our preliminary investigation it was revealed that , he was among the supporters standing in the designated area for the party supporters before he suddenly breached the protocol barge into the restricted perimeter fence and jumped into the Arena out of curiosity and excitement to catch a closer look at the President.
He was immediately blocked and arrested instantly by the inner cordon security. On interrogation he stated that he acted out of anxiety and emotional excitement, expressing a long-held desire to meet with the Governor and the president.
A thorough search of his person revealed nothing suspicious or harmful.
The Kaduna Police Command has cautioned the public against spreading false narratives or politicising the event. Authorities emphasized that there is no cause for alarm, and investigations are still ongoing to fully conclude the matter.