Police Arrest Jobless Youth For Attempted Suicide, Court Grants ₦200,000 Bail

Anjobless man, Solomon Okon, has been in police custody for over a month for allegedly drinking a poisonous substance.

It was learnt that the 21-year-old, who was a porter at Havana Hospital, Surulere, Lagos, drank the poisonous substance after receiving a letter terminating his employment.

A relative of Okon told The PUNCH that the incident happened in August, adding that the suspect had since been charged to court.

He said, “Okon was working at Havana Hospital and received N35, 000 a month. He was squatting with a friend and was using part of the money to take care of his mother in Akwa Ibom. In August, he received a letter terminating his employment.

“Out of frustration, he ingested a poisonous substance. However, because it all happened in the hospital, he was quickly attended to and was able to recover to some extent. The hospital management reported the matter to the Barracks Police Station and then he was arrested and detained.”

Confirming the incident, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said Okon was still in police custody.

He said, “The case has been taken to court. He was arraigned on August 28, 2020, before Magistrate Patrick N of Court two Yaba. Adjournment date: October 15, 2020. He is remanded in police facility at Surulere.”

Okon, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge. It was learnt that the magistrate granted Okon bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties.

Speaking further Okon’s relative revealed  that there was no way they could afford the sum.