Human rights lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi has criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his opposition to the decriminalisation of attempted suicide, saying survivors need medical care and support rather than imprisonment.
Olajengbesi, in a statement published on his Facebook page on Wednesday, argued that punishing people who survive suicide attempts could worsen their psychological distress and discourage them from seeking help.
“Our leaders need to show more empathy. Suggesting that anyone attempting suicide should ensure they die is deeply disturbing,” he said.
The lawyer cited the Suicide Act 1961, which decriminalised suicide in England and Wales, and urged Nigeria to adopt a similar approach that prioritises treatment and recovery over punishment.
According to him, survivors of suicide attempts require urgent medical and psychological intervention, warning that sending them to prison could compound the circumstances that led to their crisis.
He described Akpabio’s reported remarks on the Senate floor as insensitive to Nigerians experiencing psychological distress, adding that public officials should demonstrate compassion when addressing mental health challenges.
Olajengbesi also called on leaders to address factors that may contribute to psychological distress, including economic hardship, trauma, isolation and mental health difficulties.
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He expressed support for Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong’s proposed legislation to replace criminal penalties for attempted suicide with medical assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and accessible support services.
“Leadership should give people a reason to live and the support to recover,” he said.
The comments followed a debate in the Senate on Tuesday, when Akpabio opposed efforts to decriminalise attempted suicide as lawmakers passed a bill seeking to replace imprisonment with medical treatment and rehabilitation for survivors.
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.
The proposed legislation seeks to ensure that people who survive suicide attempts receive appropriate medical assessments, referrals, treatment and follow-up support instead of facing imprisonment.
It also proposes stronger early-intervention measures through public education, crisis-response services and improved coordination among relevant institutions.
Following its passage for second reading, the bill was referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for further legislative consideration, including a public hearing.