Lawyer Faults Akpabio Over Jail Term View for Suicide Survivors

Human rights lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi has criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio for insisting that people who survive suicide attempts should face imprisonment, describing the position as insensitive to Nigerians experiencing psychological distress.

Olajengbesi made his position known in a statement published on Facebook on Wednesday, following Akpabio’s opposition to a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria.

The lawyer argued that criminal punishment could worsen the distress experienced by survivors and discourage people in crisis from seeking help.

He called on political leaders to demonstrate empathy and support a health-centred approach to suicide prevention.

Olajengbesi said a person who survives a suicide attempt needs urgent medical and psychological assistance rather than imprisonment, warning that detention could compound the circumstances that contributed to the crisis.

He also cited the experience of England and Wales, where attempted suicide was decriminalised under the Suicide Act 1961, urging Nigeria to prioritise treatment, rehabilitation and recovery.

According to him, economic hardship, trauma, isolation and mental health challenges are among the factors that may contribute to psychological distress and should be addressed through appropriate support services.

Olajengbesi said he agreed with Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who sponsored the proposed legislation, that survivors should receive medical assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and continuing support.

The controversy followed Akpabio’s remarks during Tuesday’s Senate debate on the bill. The Senate President opposed decriminalisation, arguing that removing criminal penalties could encourage suicide attempts. He said survivors should remain liable to imprisonment under existing laws.

The bill, however, passed its second reading despite his opposition and was referred to the Senate committees on Health and Judiciary for further consideration, including a public hearing.

Presenting the bill, Ekpenyong argued that Nigeria’s legal framework was inconsistent because the National Mental Health Act recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency requiring intervention, while provisions of the Criminal Code and Penal Code continue to criminalise the act.

The proposed legislation seeks to replace punishment with medical assessment, referral, treatment and follow-up support. It also proposes crisis helplines, public awareness programmes, training for relevant professionals and a national data system for suicide prevention.

The bill has not become law and must undergo further legislative consideration before any changes take effect.