Olajengbesi Faults Akpabio Over Jail Term For Suicide Attempt

Human rights lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his reported opposition to the decriminalisation of attempted suicide, insisting that survivors need medical care and rehabilitation rather than imprisonment.

Olajengbesi said punishing people who survive suicide attempts could worsen their psychological distress and discourage others experiencing mental health crises from seeking help.

In a statement on Wednesday, the lawyer urged political leaders to demonstrate empathy towards Nigerians facing psychological challenges, warning against comments that could further stigmatise vulnerable people.

“Our leaders need to show more empathy. Suggesting that anyone attempting suicide should ensure they die is deeply disturbing,” he said.

Citing the Suicide Act 1961, Olajengbesi noted that England and Wales had decriminalised suicide, ending the prosecution of people who survived suicide attempts.

He urged Nigeria to adopt a similar approach by prioritising treatment, rehabilitation and recovery over criminal punishment.

“A person who survives a suicide attempt needs urgent help. Sending that person to prison risks compounding the distress that brought them to that point,” he said.

The lawyer described Akpabio’s reported remarks on the floor of the Senate as insensitive to the plight of Nigerians experiencing psychological crises, stressing that public office holders should exercise greater care in addressing issues relating to mental health.

He said the underlying causes of psychological distress, including economic hardship, trauma, isolation and mental health challenges, required compassionate and practical interventions.

Olajengbesi also expressed support for Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong’s position that Nigerians experiencing psychological crises deserved care, protection and a credible path to recovery.

He said replacing criminal punishment for attempted suicide with medical assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and accessible support services would be a step in the right direction.

“Leadership should give people a reason to live and the support to recover,” he added.

The controversy followed Tuesday’s Senate plenary, where Akpabio opposed moves to decriminalise attempted suicide, insisting that survivors should be jailed.

The development came as the Senate passed for second reading a bill seeking to replace criminal punishment for attempted suicide with medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Presenting the bill, Ekpenyong argued that Nigeria’s existing 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.

Under the proposed framework, survivors would undergo appropriate medical assessment, referral, treatment and follow-up support instead of facing imprisonment.

The bill also seeks to strengthen early intervention through public education, crisis response services and improved coordination among relevant institutions.

Following its second reading, the bill was referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further legislative action, including a public hearing.