Akpabio Insists On Jail Term For Suicide Attempt As Decriminalisation Bill Scales Second Reading

The Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish a national framework for suicide prevention, decriminalise attempted suicide and provide rehabilitation for survivors, despite opposition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who insists that the act should remain punishable by imprisonment.

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‎Sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, the bill seeks to address what he described as a contradiction in Nigeria’s laws.

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‎Ekpenyong argued that while the National Mental Health Act recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring treatment, Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code still criminalise the act.

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‎He said decriminalisation without accessible care would be incomplete, stressing that suicide has complex causes and requires a humane, health-focused response.

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‎“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?” he asked.

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‎The senator said criminalisation discourages people from seeking help, forces families to conceal suicide attempts and contributes to poor data on the problem.

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‎He warned that continued punishment could create a situation in which people experiencing distress feel compelled to ensure their attempts are fatal to avoid prosecution.

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‎The bill proposes replacing imprisonment with mandatory assessment, referral, treatment and follow-up support. It also provides for crisis helplines, training for police officers, teachers and health workers, public education and a national data system for suicide prevention.

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‎However, Akpabio maintained that attempted suicide should remain a criminal offence, arguing that removing the penalties could encourage the act.

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‎“If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail,” the Senate President said.

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‎Akpabio added that the issue involves both the Criminal Code and the Penal Code, requiring input from State Houses of Assembly during a public hearing to avoid legal conflicts.

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‎The bill has been referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further legislative action and a public hearing.

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