Akpabio Opposes Bill To Decriminalise Attempted Suicide, Says Survivors Should Face Jail

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has opposed a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, insisting that individuals who survive suicide attempts should remain liable to imprisonment.

Akpabio stated his position during deliberations on a bill sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South Senatorial District, which seeks to establish a national suicide prevention framework and provide mental health care and rehabilitation for survivors.

During the debate, the Senate President argued that removing criminal penalties for attempted suicide could encourage more people to engage in the act, insisting that the existing legal provisions should be retained.

“At the heart of this bill is a simple question: when a Nigerian survives a suicide attempt, should the first response of the state be prosecution or protection?” Akpabio asked.

He subsequently declared: “If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail.”

The proposed legislation seeks to address the conflict between Nigeria’s mental health framework and existing criminal laws that prescribe penalties for attempted suicide.

Presenting the rationale for the bill, Ekpenyong explained that although the National Mental Health Act recognises the need for a health-centred response to mental health emergencies, Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code continue to criminalise attempted suicide.

He argued that the existing laws discourage people experiencing emotional distress from seeking professional assistance, while forcing families to conceal suicide attempts for fear of prosecution.

According to the lawmaker, criminalisation also contributes to inadequate data on suicide attempts, making it more difficult for authorities to develop effective prevention strategies.

Ekpenyong maintained that suicide prevention should prioritise compassion, treatment and rehabilitation rather than punishment, stressing that decriminalisation must be accompanied by access to appropriate mental health services.

Under the proposed legislation, imprisonment for attempted suicide would be replaced with mandatory mental health assessments, referrals, treatment and follow-up support for survivors.

The bill also proposes crisis helplines, public awareness campaigns and specialised training for police officers, teachers and healthcare professionals to improve responses to people experiencing suicidal distress.

In addition, it seeks to establish a national data collection system to strengthen suicide prevention policies and improve the country’s understanding of the problem.

However, Akpabio maintained his opposition to removing criminal sanctions, arguing that decriminalisation could encourage more people to attempt suicide.

He also raised concerns about the involvement of both the Criminal Code and the Penal Code, suggesting that state Houses of Assembly should participate in the legislative process during a public hearing to prevent potential legal conflicts.

Despite Akpabio’s opposition, the bill passed second reading and was referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further consideration and a public hearing.

The proposed reform represents an attempt to shift Nigeria’s approach to attempted suicide from criminal prosecution towards mental health assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and long-term support for survivors.