“If You Attempt It, You Better Succeed” — Akpabio Opposes Bill to Decriminalise Suicide Attempts

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has opposed a bill seeking to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, insisting that survivors should continue to face imprisonment under the existing law, even as the Senate passed the proposed legislation for second reading.

Akpabio made his position known on Tuesday during debate on the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South. The bill seeks to replace criminal prosecution of suicide attempt survivors with medical treatment, rehabilitation and psychological support.

“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,” Akpabio said.

He reiterated his opposition to the proposal, noting that the Senate had yet to conduct a public hearing on the bill.

Despite his objection, lawmakers approved the bill for second reading, allowing it to proceed to further legislative scrutiny.

Presenting the proposal, Ekpenyong argued that Nigeria’s laws send conflicting messages by recognising attempted suicide as a mental health emergency under the National Mental Health Act while retaining criminal penalties under Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code.

“Our law presently speaks with two voices,” he said, warning that the threat of prosecution could discourage people experiencing suicidal thoughts from seeking help.

Ekpenyong said criminalisation could also lead families to conceal suicide attempts out of fear of legal consequences and social stigma, while discouraging health workers from reporting cases fully.

He urged lawmakers to reconsider whether people who survive suicide attempts should be prosecuted or given immediate medical assistance.

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“At the heart of this bill is a simple question: When a Nigerian survives a suicide attempt, should the first response of the state be prosecution or protection?” he asked.

The senator stressed that removing criminal penalties would not encourage suicide or protect anyone who deliberately assists another person in taking their life. Instead, he said, the proposed law would establish suicide prevention as a public health responsibility.

Senator Ned Nwoko, who represents Delta North, seconded the bill but sought clarification on how its provisions would prevent suicide in practical terms.

Other lawmakers backed a shift towards medical intervention, arguing that suicidal behaviour may be associated with mental health challenges that require professional attention rather than punishment.

However, Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele raised concerns about the legal implications of the proposed changes, particularly the relationship between federal legislation and state-level criminal justice systems. He urged lawmakers to examine the legal framework carefully to ensure the reform could be implemented effectively.

Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central welcomed the proposal, saying the issue deserved broader discussion involving medical professionals, legal experts and other stakeholders. He also cautioned against automatically treating suicide attempt survivors as criminals without considering the circumstances surrounding their actions.

The bill proposes a framework for early intervention, medical assessment, crisis helplines, referrals, rehabilitation and long-term support for survivors. It also provides for public awareness campaigns, training for police officers, teachers and healthcare workers, and a national data system to strengthen prevention efforts.

Following its passage for second reading, the bill was referred to the relevant Senate committees on judiciary and health for further consideration, including a public hearing.

The next stage will allow lawmakers and stakeholders to examine the proposed reforms in greater detail before the Senate decides whether to advance the legislation.