Akpabio Opposes Bill to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide

The Senate has passed for second reading a bill seeking to establish a national framework for suicide prevention, decriminalise attempted suicide and provide rehabilitation for survivors.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South), seeks to reconcile existing criminal laws with the National Mental Health Act, which recognises attempted suicide as a mental health emergency requiring appropriate care.

However, Senate President Godswill Akpabio opposed the proposed decriminalisation, insisting that attempted suicide should remain a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment.

During the debate, Akpabio said, “If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail.”

Ekpenyong argued that the continued criminalisation of attempted suicide under Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code contradicts the health-focused approach of the National Mental Health Act.

He said criminalisation discourages people experiencing psychological distress from seeking help, encourages families to conceal suicide attempts and contributes to inadequate data on the problem.

The senator warned that punishing survivors could discourage people from seeking assistance and create additional risks for those experiencing severe emotional distress.

The proposed legislation seeks to replace imprisonment with mandatory mental health assessment, referral, treatment and follow-up support for survivors.

It also provides for crisis helplines, training for police officers, teachers and health workers, public enlightenment campaigns and the establishment of a national suicide prevention data system.

Akpabio, however, argued that removing criminal penalties could encourage suicide attempts. He also noted that the matter involved both the Criminal Code and the Penal Code, requiring consultations with state Houses of Assembly to address possible legal conflicts.

The Senate President called for wider consultations during the public hearing on the bill.

The proposed legislation has been referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further legislative consideration and a public hearing.