Human rights lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi has criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his reported opposition to decriminalising attempted suicide, arguing that survivors should receive medical care and rehabilitation rather than face imprisonment.
Olajengbesi said criminalising attempted suicide could worsen the psychological distress of survivors and discourage people experiencing mental health crises from seeking help.
In a statement on Wednesday, the lawyer called on political leaders to show greater empathy towards Nigerians facing psychological challenges, warning that insensitive comments could deepen the stigma surrounding mental health.
“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 survive suicide attempts.
He urged Nigeria to adopt a similar approach by prioritising medical treatment, rehabilitation and recovery over criminal punishment.
According to him, survivors require urgent support, and sending them to prison could worsen the circumstances that led to their suicide attempts.
The lawyer described Akpabio’s reported remarks during Senate plenary as insensitive to the experiences of Nigerians facing psychological crises. He added that public officials should exercise caution when discussing mental health issues.
Olajengbesi said factors such as economic hardship, trauma, social isolation and mental health challenges require compassionate responses and practical interventions.
He also backed Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong’s position that people experiencing psychological crises deserve care, protection and access to recovery services.
The controversy followed Tuesday’s Senate plenary, where Akpabio reportedly opposed efforts to decriminalise attempted suicide, arguing that survivors should be jailed.
The debate 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 proposed legislation, 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 receive appropriate medical assessments, referrals, treatment and follow-up support instead of facing imprisonment.
The bill also seeks to promote early intervention through public education, crisis response services and better coordination among relevant institutions.
Following its second reading, the bill was referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further consideration, including a public hearing.
