Posted by Chinenye on Wed 14th Oct, 2026 - tori.ng
The Nigerian Senate is debating whether people who survive suicide attempts should be punished or given medical help.
(Senate President Godswill Akpabio. Photo Credit: TheCable)
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has spoken against a bill that would remove criminal punishment for attempted suicide in Nigeria.
He said people who survive an attempt should be jailed.
He made the remarks on Tuesday during debate on the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong of Cross River South.
The bill would replace jail time with medical treatment, rehabilitation and other support.
Akpabio said suicide is still a crime under current law and warned that anyone who attempts it had better succeed, or they would go to prison.
He said the Senate had not yet held a public hearing on the bill, but he still opposed it.
Despite his objection, the Senate passed the bill for second reading.
It has been referred to the committees on judiciary and health, and the process will include a public hearing.
Ekpenyong said Nigeria's laws send mixed messages.
The National Mental Health Act treats attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency, but the Criminal Code and Penal Code still treat it as a crime.
He cited section 327 of the Criminal Code and section 231 of the Penal Code.
He warned that criminal charges could stop people from speaking about suicidal thoughts or asking for help.
Families might hide attempts out of fear or shame, and health workers might be reluctant to report them fully.
He asked lawmakers whether the first response to a survivor should be prosecution or protection.
He added that decriminalising an attempt does not make suicide legal, and it does not excuse anyone who helps another person die.
He also said removing penalties is not enough without accessible mental health services.
Senator Ned Nwoko of Delta North seconded the motion but asked Ekpenyong to explain how the bill would actually prevent suicides.
Other senators said suicidal behaviour is often linked to depression and other mental health problems that need professional care.
Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele raised a legal concern.
He said the Administration of Criminal Justice Act must be adopted by state houses of assembly before it applies in each state, which casts doubt on whether the bill can apply nationwide.
Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central praised Ekpenyong for raising the issue and said it deserves wider public debate.
The bill sets up crisis helplines, medical assessments, referral services, rehabilitation and follow up care for survivors.
It also aims to raise public awareness, train police, teachers and health workers, and create a national data system on suicide prevention.
Akpabio on Suicide Bill: If you attempt to commit suicide, you better succeed, or we will send you to jail - Godswill Akpabio, Senate President https://t.co/ko9sEnYxwL
— Naijaonpoint (@NaijaOnPoint) October 13, 2026