Akpabio opposes bill to decriminalise attempted suicide

Godswill Akpabio, senate president, has rejected a proposed law seeking to remove criminal penalties for attempted suicide in Nigeria, arguing that survivors should face imprisonment.

Akpabio made his position known on Tuesday during deliberations on the 2026 suicide prevention bill, introduced by Asuquo Ekpenyong, senator representing Cross River south.

The proposed legislation seeks to replace criminal sanctions for attempted suicide with medical care, rehabilitation and other forms of support.

The senate passed the bill for second reading, paving the way for further consideration by lawmakers.

During the debate, however, Akpabio insisted that attempting suicide should remain a criminal offence under the country’s existing laws.

“As far as we are concerned, we are saying that suicide is a crime for now. Therefore, if you attempt it, you better succeed. If you don’t succeed, we will send you to prison,” he said.

The senate president also pointed out that the chamber had not yet conducted a public hearing on the proposed legislation but maintained his opposition to the measure.

“If you attempt it and don’t succeed, we will jail you. So, if you attempt it, you better succeed,” he said.

While presenting the bill, Ekpenyong argued that Nigeria’s laws contain conflicting positions on attempted suicide. He noted that the National Mental Health Act treats it as a psychiatric emergency requiring urgent intervention, while the Criminal Code and Penal Code still classify the act as a criminal offence.

“Our law presently speaks with two voices. The National Mental Health Act recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate intervention,” the lawmaker said.

“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.

Ekpenyong said the proposed law would recognise suicide prevention as a public health responsibility and ensure that people experiencing psychological distress receive treatment instead of facing criminal penalties.

“By supporting its second reading, this senate will affirm that suicide prevention is a national public health responsibility, and that a person in acute distress should be helped to recover rather than punished for surviving,” he said.

He explained that removing criminal penalties for attempted suicide would neither promote the act nor exempt anyone who encourages or assists another person to end their life from responsibility.

“Decriminalising an attempt does not legalise or encourage suicide. Neither does it excuse anyone who procures, encourages, or assists any other person to take his or her life,” he said.

The senator further stressed that decriminalisation alone would not address the problem without accessible mental health services. He said suicidal behaviour can arise from complicated circumstances that require a compassionate response focused on healthcare.

Ned Nwoko, senator representing Delta north, seconded the motion for the bill’s second reading but sought clarification on how the proposed law would help prevent suicide.

He asked Ekpenyong to explain the legislation’s specific goals and the practical steps it would introduce to reduce suicide cases.

Other lawmakers backed the proposal, noting that suicidal behaviour may be linked to depression and other mental health conditions that require professional care.

Opeyemi Bamidele, senate leader, questioned the legal consequences of changing the existing criminal justice system, particularly how federal legislation would apply across the states.

He pointed out that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act must be adopted by state houses of assembly before it can operate in their respective jurisdictions, raising concerns about whether the proposed changes would apply nationwide.

Bamidele called on lawmakers to examine these legal issues thoroughly to ensure the proposed reform would achieve its objectives.

Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi central, praised Ekpenyong for introducing the bill, describing suicide prevention as a significant issue that warrants broader public discussion and professional input.

He said the bill’s passage at second reading would create an opportunity for medical practitioners, legal experts and other stakeholders to contribute to deliberations on preventing suicide and supporting survivors.

Ningi also argued that people who survive suicide attempts should not automatically be treated as criminals without examining the circumstances behind their actions.

The proposed legislation aims to introduce a comprehensive framework for suicide prevention, early intervention, medical treatment and continued support for survivors.

It includes provisions for crisis helplines, medical evaluations, referral services, rehabilitation and follow-up care for individuals who survive suicide attempts.

The bill also proposes public awareness campaigns, training for police officers, teachers and healthcare workers, as well as a national data system to improve suicide prevention efforts.

Under the proposed framework, survivors would receive medical evaluation, treatment and ongoing support instead of facing imprisonment.

After the debate, the senate approved the bill for second reading and referred it to the relevant judiciary and health committees for further consideration, including a public hearing.