Akpabio rejects move to decriminalise attempted suicide

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has rejected moves to decriminalise attempted suicide, insisting that survivors should be jailed. The Senate passed the bill for second reading, which seeks to replace criminal punishment with medical treatment and rehabilitation. The bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, also proposes establishing crisis helplines, training for various professionals, and promoting public awareness to strengthen suicide prevention efforts.

Akpabio argued that attempted suicide should remain a criminal offence, contrasting with the bill’s approach of treating suicide attempts as a mental health emergency.

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