{
  "id": 14504452,
  "title": "ADC rejects jail term for suicide attempts, condemns Akpabio’s ‘seven virgins’ remark",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/adc-rejects-jail-term-for-suicide-attempts-condemns-akpabios-seven",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-14T18:06:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Punch Nigeria",
    "slug": "punch-nigeria",
    "url": "https://punchng.com/adc-rejects-jail-term-for-suicide-attempts-condemns-akpabios-seven-virgins-remark/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strongly condemned Senate President Godswill Akpabio for his recent remarks during a debate on the National Suicide Prevention Bill. Akpabio reportedly made a \"seven virgins\" comment, which the ADC found insensitive and inappropriate for a discussion on mental health. The party also criticized Akpabio for allegedly supporting imprisonment as a punishment for those who attempt suicide, advocating instead for a focus on treating such incidents as a mental health concern. The ADC emphasized that suicide attempts require support and access to mental healthcare rather than criminalization. They accused Akpabio of defending a colonial-era approach to suicide prevention, urging lawmakers to adopt a more compassionate approach that prioritizes prevention, counselling, treatment, and support for those experiencing suicidal thoughts or those who survive suicide attempts.",
  "summary": "The African Democratic Congress has condemned Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s ‘seven virgins’ remark and his support for jailing suicide survivors. Read More: https://punchng.com/adc-rejects-jail-term-for-suicide-attempts-condemns-akpabios-seven-virgins-remark/",
  "key_points": [
    "ADC condemns Senate President Akpabio's \"seven virgins\" remark",
    "ADC criticizes Akpabio for supporting jail term for suicide attempts",
    "Party urges mental health focus, condemns criminalization of suicide"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch",
        "title": "ADC rejects jail term for suicide attempts, condemns Akpabio’s ‘seven virgins’ remark",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/14/adc-rejects-jail-term-for-suicide-attempts-condemns-akpabios-seven-14505533",
        "published": "2026-10-14T18:12:54.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}