A 33-year-old man narrowly escaped death on Tuesday after jumping into the Lagos lagoon from the Third Mainland Bridge in an apparent suicide attempt linked to financial losses.
The victim, identified as Olu, had reportedly parked his silver Lexus SUV at the Yaba end of the bridge before diving into the water.
Eyewitnesses said the incident drew immediate attention, prompting a rapid response. The Divisional Police Officer in Yaba, CSP Adegbemi Isiaka, was alerted and quickly enlisted the help of a nearby fisherman, who rescued the man from the lagoon.
He was thereafter taken to a hospital, where he received medical attention.
Sources said Olu, who resides in Ibadan, Oyo State, had travelled to Lagos earlier that day with the intention of ending his life.
It was gathered that he had suffered heavy losses from cryptocurrency investments, which reportedly left him emotionally distressed.
“He came all the way from Ibadan and jumped into the lagoon after saying he couldn’t cope with his losses,” an eyewitness said.
The witness added that the DPO provided an incentive to the fisherman to ensure the rescue was carried out without delay.
Confirming the development, spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Abimbola Adebisi, said the man has since been treated and discharged, and handed over to his family members who arrived from Ibadan.
According to her, the family has agreed to seek further care for him at a rehabilitation facility.
She added that the victim was counselled on the consequences of attempted suicide, which remains an offence under Nigerian law.
The incident came to public attention after businessman Isaac Fayose shared a video online, calling on people to check on their loved ones.
In the footage, a witness described how the man parked his car, left his phones inside, and jumped into the lagoon before being rescued and brought back to shore.
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