Nigerian health educator and social media personality Dr Chinonso Egemba, popularly known as Aproko Doctor, has weighed in on the debate over the criminalisation of attempted suicide in Nigeria, following Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s opposition to a proposed bill seeking to decriminalise the act.
The debate follows the Senate’s passage of the Suicide Prevention Bill 2026 for second reading on Tuesday, October 13, despite Akpabio’s opposition to removing criminal penalties for attempted suicide. As reported in TheDailyNewsHub’s earlier coverage of Akpabio’s position on the attempted suicide jail bill, the Senate President argued against decriminalisation, raising concerns about the implications of removing imprisonment as a penalty. The proposed legislation seeks to shift the response towards suicide prevention, medical treatment and rehabilitation for survivors.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South Senatorial District, seeks to establish a national framework for suicide prevention and provide support for people who survive suicide attempts. It also aims to address inconsistencies between existing criminal laws and Nigeria’s mental health legislation.
During the Senate debate, Akpabio maintained that attempted suicide should remain punishable by imprisonment, arguing that removing the penalty could encourage the act. His position drew public attention and renewed debate about whether people who survive suicide attempts should face criminal prosecution or receive medical and psychological support.
Under existing provisions of the Criminal Code and Penal Code, attempted suicide remains a criminal offence in applicable jurisdictions, with penalties that can include imprisonment. However, the National Mental Health Act 2021 recognises attempted suicide as a psychiatric emergency, highlighting the tension between punitive legal provisions and a health-focused response.
Supporters of decriminalisation argue that treating suicide attempts as crimes can discourage people experiencing severe emotional distress from seeking help. They also warn that criminal penalties may lead families to conceal incidents and make it harder for health professionals and authorities to identify people who need urgent care.
The proposed bill seeks to replace punishment with measures including medical assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and follow-up support. It also provides for suicide prevention initiatives such as crisis intervention helplines, public awareness programmes and training for relevant professionals.
The bill has passed its second reading and been referred to the relevant Senate committees on health and judiciary for further consideration. The legislative process is expected to include further examination of its legal, medical and social implications before the Senate makes a final decision.
Aproko Doctor’s intervention adds to the wider public discussion about the treatment of people who survive suicide attempts and the role of mental health care in prevention. The debate has placed renewed focus on how Nigeria can respond to people in psychological distress while ensuring access to timely and appropriate support.