Senate passes suicide decriminalisation bill despite Akpabio’s opposition

The Senate has passed a bill seeking to establish a national framework for suicide prevention and decriminalise attempted suicide for a second reading.

The passage occurred despite opposition from Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who insisted the act must remain a punishable criminal offence. Akpabio formally kicked against the total removal of penalties, stressing that decriminalisation could encourage citizens to take their own lives.

Sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong representing Cross River South, the proposed legislation aims to replace prison sentences with psychiatric assessment, treatment, and follow-up support. The bill has been referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Health for a public hearing and legislative action.

“If you attempt suicide, make sure you die. Anyone who attempts and fails will go to jail,” the Senate President.

Senator Ekpenyong urged the lawmakers to treat suicide attempts as a psychiatric emergency rather than a crime. He warned that retaining Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code only forces families to conceal mental health crises and discourages survivors from seeking medical intervention.