Akpabio: “If you attempt to commit sui¢ide, you better succeed, or we will send you to jail”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has rejected a proposal to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, insisting that people who survive suicide attempts should be imprisoned under the existing legal framework.
Akpabio expressed his opposition on Tuesday during deliberations on a bill introduced by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South Senatorial District.
The legislation, which passed its second reading, seeks to remove criminal penalties for attempted suicide and introduce a framework focused on medical intervention, psychological support and rehabilitation.
Reacting to the proposal, Akpabio maintained that attempted suicide remained a criminal offence, arguing that survivors should face imprisonment.
“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.
He further stated, “If you attempt it and don’t succeed, we will jail you.”
Akpabio also pointed out that the issue involved provisions in both the Criminal Code and the Penal Code, stressing the need for wider consultations before any changes could be made.
He noted that state legislatures would need to participate in the public hearing to address potential conflicts in the country’s legal framework.
Despite the Senate President’s opposition, Ekpenyong maintained that people who survive suicide attempts should receive medical attention and psychological support instead of being subjected to criminal prosecution.
According to the senator, the existing laws expose vulnerable Nigerians to punishment at a time when they need urgent assistance.
He argued that the National Mental Health Act recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate intervention, while Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code continue to provide for criminal punishment.
“Our law presently speaks with two voices. The National Mental Health Act recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring immediate intervention. Yet Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code continue to expose the same person to criminal punishment,” Ekpenyong said.
He warned that the criminalisation of attempted suicide could worsen the challenges faced by people experiencing mental health crises.
The lawmaker explained that the fear of arrest and prosecution might prevent individuals from seeking help, while families could conceal suicide attempts because of the stigma associated with them.
He also cautioned that criminal penalties could discourage healthcare workers from reporting cases fully, undermining efforts to provide timely intervention.
Ekpenyong urged the Senate to adopt a more compassionate approach, arguing that the government should prioritise protection and recovery.
“I therefore urge this Senate to support the Second Reading of this Bill and affirm a clear national principle: Nigerians in psychological crisis should be met with care, protection and a credible path to recovery,” he said.
The bill proposes the establishment of crisis helplines, improved access to mental health services, rehabilitation programmes and follow-up care for survivors.
It also seeks to introduce specialised training for police officers, teachers and healthcare workers, alongside public awareness campaigns and a national data system to support suicide prevention initiatives.
Under the proposed arrangement, people who survive suicide attempts would receive appropriate medical assessments, referrals and treatment rather than face imprisonment.
The bill’s passage for second reading means lawmakers have agreed to consider it further, but it has not yet become law.
It has been referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further legislative work, including a public hearing, before any final decision is made.
