Man who momentarily disrupted Tinubu’s Kaduna speech was ardent APC supporter, mentally ill: Police
The Kaduna State Police Command has confirmed that the man who momentarily disrupted President Bola Tinubu’s address in Kaduna on June 20, 2025, is Umar Mohammed, a native of Anguwan Muazu and a registered member of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
During President Tinubu’s televised speech at a stadium event in Kaduna, video footage captured the moment an intruder dashed toward the stage, causing the President to pause mid‑sentence as bodyguards swiftly intervened. The People’s Gazette first reported the incident, describing it as a “security breach” that left attendees and viewers momentarily alarmed.
Police Identification and Background
Police Spokesperson Mansir Hassan released a statement on June 21, 2025, confirming that the intruder was indeed Umar Mohammed. According to Hassan:
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Mental Health: Mohammed “was born with psychiatric disorders; he is of unsound mind.”
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Political Affiliation: Despite his condition, he is “an ardent supporter of Mr. President and the governor.”
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Motivation: Upon interrogation, Mohammed admitted he acted “out of anxiety and emotional excitement,” driven by a longtime desire to meet both the President and the Kaduna State Governor.
How He Gained Stadium Access
Security protocols at the venue involved screening thousands of APC supporters who entered wearing campaign T‑shirts and carrying banners. Mohammed passed the same screening process, blending in with the crowd until his sudden sprint toward the podium. The incident highlights potential vulnerabilities in large‑scale political event security, especially when mental health factors are at play.
Official Response and Next Steps
Major steps taken by the Kaduna State Police Command include:
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Medical Evaluation: Mohammed has been transferred to a psychiatric facility for evaluation and treatment.
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Security Review: Authorities are conducting a comprehensive review of screening procedures to prevent similar breaches.
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Public Assurance: Spokesperson Hassan emphasised that the President’s safety was never at serious risk and that “any breach of this nature will be thoroughly investigated.”
Implications for Political Event Security
This event underscores the need for:
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Enhanced Mental Health Screening: Integrating basic psychological assessments into security checks for large gatherings.
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Targeted Training: Equipping event security teams to recognise and respond to non‑violent disruptions caused by individuals in distress.
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Crowd Management: Balancing open access for genuine supporters with robust protocols to identify potential risks.
