Why LASU student may regret suicide attempt
An undergraduate student of Lagos State University, LASU, Kingsley Gabriel, on Monday, jumped into Lagos lagoon in an attempt to commit suicide.
Gabriel was, however, rescued alive by officials of the Lagos State Waterways Authority, LASWA.
It was gathered that the student jumped from Falomo Bridge into the lagoon at about 11 am, leaving no reason for his action.
He was only heard pleading with his rescuers to allow him to die, saying “what’s in this world?”
Taking a lesson from a Lagos textile dealer, Mrs. Taiwo Momoh, who was prevented from committing suicide by jumping off the Third Mainland Bridge over a year ago, here are convalescing issues Kingsley Gabriel-LASU student may face in the coming days:
Treatment in the hands of police:
Immediately after a suicide attempt one may find it hard to think clearly or remember details of conversations. You may also find it’s hard to talk about what has happened or to describe to others how you are feeling.
The textile woman in the same situation as Kingsley, Mrs Taiwo Momoh confirmed to Punch sometime ago that she was put in a cell at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba, for four days, which further depressed her as neighbours started ridiculing her.
Suicide charges:
Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act, Chapter 77 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1990, stipulates that any person who attempts to kill oneself is liable to imprisonment for one year; however, many people are not aware such law exists.
Freedom:
Kingsley will become a busy man in the hands of the police and government agencies in a couple of days; undoubtedly his movement will be restricted, he may beg for his freedom in the coming days.
The Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Health, and the agency will make plans to secure medical treatment for him in line with the provisions of the Criminal Code, Section 235 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2011.
Bail:
Friends and families may likely desert Kingsley when he start to beg, to bail him might not cost less than 500 thousand if he gets a soft landing.
Would Kingsley Gabriel be comfortable with his previous suicide attempt or take police as his friend?
