The Police in Lagos have rescued a 45-year-old man who attempted to commit suicide over a N500,000 debt he owed a microfinance bank.
In a statement on Sunday, Bala Elkana, the Lagos police spokesperson, said the man was intercepted by an officer while attempting to jump into the Third Mainland lagoon on Friday.
According to the police, the 45-year old, identified as Adeyinka Abiodun, collected a N390,000 loan from a microfinance bank in March, which has exceeded N500,000 with accrued interests and was unable to pay back.
While attempting to jump into the lagoon around 1:35 p.m. on Friday, he was intercepted by operatives deployed to Third Mainland Bridge and taken to Bariga Police Station for questioning and debriefing.
“The loan was collected with intent to upgrade his wine retail business, but the business failed and the money lost. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics and a Masters Degree in Business Administration.
He is married with two children. He is currently attending medical and counselling sessions. The microfinance bank was contacted and they confirmed the loan,” the statement read.
The loan was repaid by the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was moved with compassion after hearing the story, the police said.
