Ogun Police Arrest Man Over Attempted Suicide at MFM Church Amid Debt Crisis

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 29-year-old man, Victor Kalu, after he allegedly attempted to end his life within the premises of the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM) in Ibafo.

The incident, which occurred late Friday night, has drawn attention to the mounting pressure Nigerians face from online loan providers and the broader mental health crisis linked to financial hardship.

According to police reports, Kalu was seen attempting to hang himself from an electric pole situated within the church compound at around 10:45 p.m.

The timely intervention of the church’s Chief Security Officer thwarted the suicide attempt and ultimately saved Kalu’s life. He was taken into protective custody and handed over to the police at approximately 10:10 a.m. the following day, Saturday.

Initial investigations by the police have shed light on the reasons behind the drastic decision. Kalu, a resident of Plot 7, Oluwa Sesan Street, Ejigbo Road, Ikotun, Lagos, told investigators that he had become overwhelmed by insurmountable debt following a loan he obtained from an online lending platform. The continuous harassment and threats from the loan company reportedly drove him to a state of despair.

“He explained that he had been receiving constant threats from the lender,” a source close to the investigation stated. “Feeling cornered and unable to repay the money, he decided that ending his life was the only way out of the situation.”

The Ibafo Divisional Police Command responded swiftly after being notified of the incident. Detectives were dispatched to the church premises, where they took detailed statements from both the suspect and the Chief Security Officer who intervened. They also documented the location of the attempted suicide and took photographic evidence as part of their ongoing inquiry.

The police have since confirmed that Victor Kalu remains in custody while investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Authorities are also reportedly looking into the operations of the online loan company involved, especially concerning the nature and legality of their debt recovery tactics.

The case has once again sparked discussion about the growing menace of predatory lending by some digital loan apps in Nigeria. In recent years, numerous reports have emerged detailing how aggressive recovery methods, such as public shaming, defamatory messages, and unrelenting calls, have contributed to severe mental distress among borrowers.

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Mental health advocates are calling for stronger regulation of these loan companies and more robust support systems for financially distressed individuals. “What we’re seeing here is not just a financial issue—it’s a mental health emergency,” said a Lagos-based psychologist. “When people feel like there’s no escape from their debt, the psychological toll can be devastating. We need to build better systems for both financial education and emotional support.”

The Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries, where the incident occurred, has also expressed concern. Church authorities are said to be cooperating with law enforcement and have called for prayers for the young man. A church member who witnessed the aftermath remarked, “We thank God he was stopped in time. But this is a wake-up call for us all, people are really suffering, and we must show more compassion.”

Meanwhile, the Ogun State Police Command is urging members of the public facing financial hardship to seek help rather than resort to self-harm. “Suicide is never the answer,” a police spokesperson said. “There are resources, community leaders, and organizations ready to help. We encourage anyone feeling overwhelmed to reach out before it’s too late.”

Victor Kalu’s case serves as a grim reminder of the human toll that financial stress can exact, especially in an economy where support structures for mental health and debt relief remain underdeveloped. As investigations progress, many are hoping that this incident will prompt broader reforms and bring greater attention to the challenges silently endured by many Nigerians.