Call For Review Of Law Criminalizing Suicide Gains Traction
The Nigeria Suicide Advocacy Group has made a fervent plea for the decriminalization of suicide, citing it as a critical step towards advancing suicide prevention and control initiatives in Nigeria. This call was echoed by Prof. Taiwo Sheikh, a Consultant Psychiatrist, during the group’s inaugural virtual meeting held in Lagos.
Prof. Sheikh, also a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, underscored the detrimental impact of laws criminalizing attempted suicide, identifying it as a significant barrier to effective suicide prevention and control efforts in the country. He emphasized the urgent need to review and amend legislation that sanctions suicide attempts, noting that such laws originated during the era of British colonization.
Highlighting Nigeria’s status among countries that still criminalize suicide, Prof. Sheikh emphasized the prevalence of suicide as a leading cause of death among young people, particularly in low and middle-income countries like Nigeria.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mohammed Mohammed, concurred with Prof. Sheikh’s stance, noting that both Customary Law and Islamic Law in Nigeria classify suicide as a criminal offense. Mohammed emphasized that while successful suicide leaves no room for punishment, attempted suicide is met with legal repercussions, perpetuating stigma and hindering access to necessary support and intervention.
Echoing similar sentiments, lawyer Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe emphasized the importance of enforcing existing health laws to address mental health issues comprehensively.
The discussion comes in the wake of a report by The PUNCH highlighting the increasing prevalence of suicides and suicidal ideations in Nigeria, attributed in part to economic factors, the absence of sympathetic anti-suicide laws, and limited mental health awareness. The tragic incident involving the suicide of Amarachi Ugochukwu, a 32-year-old employee of a new-generation bank, serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for legislative reform and enhanced mental health support systems.
As stakeholders advocate for a review of existing legislation, the focus remains on fostering greater awareness, education, and advocacy to address the root causes of suicide and provide adequate support to individuals in distress.
