Nigerians slam Akpabio over threat to jail suicide attempt survivors
By Ishaya Ibrahim
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has received criticism over comments he made during Tuesday’s plenary that anyone who attempts suicide and failed, would be jailed.
Akpabio made the comment during debate on a bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, representing Cross River South, that seeks to replace criminal punishment for attempted suicide with medical assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and other support measures for survivors.
During the debate on the bill, Akpabio said, “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.”
In reaction to the comment, Pelumi Olajengbesi, a human rights lawyer criticised Akpabio, describing his remarks as insensitive to people experiencing psychological distress.
He argued that people who survive suicide attempts need urgent medical and psychological assistance rather than imprisonment.
Olajengbesi said Nigeria’s leaders should demonstrate greater empathy and prioritise treatment and rehabilitation over punishment.
Also reacting, Jibrin Okutepa, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) knocked Akpabio’s position and called for rehabilitation rather than jail terms for suicide attempt survivors.
In a post on X, Okutepa argued that people who attempt suicide may be experiencing depression, economic hardship, emotional trauma or other serious difficulties.
He maintained that they should receive professional counselling, medical care and rehabilitation instead of automatic prosecution.
During the debate in the Senate, the bill sponsor, Ekpenyong, said threat of jailing suicide survivors could discourage distressed people from seeking help and lead families to conceal suicide attempts.
He asked lawmakers to consider whether the appropriate response to someone who survives a suicide attempt should be prosecution or protection.
Senator representing Ondo South, Dayo Faduyile, a medical doctor, backed Ekpenyong, adding that he supports treating attempted suicide as a medical emergency rather than a criminal offence.
He argued that people who survive suicide attempts need professional help, particularly where depression or other mental health conditions may affect their judgement.
