Open letter to Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi to decriminalise suicide attempts in Nigeria

Dear Honourable Attorney General,

I write this letter with deep respect for your position and with a passionate plea for justice, compassion, and reform. As you are well aware, suicide is an act born out of extreme emotional and psychological distress.

Every year, thousands of Nigerians—particularly men—find themselves at the crossroads of unbearable pain and desperation, yet our legal system responds by punishing their cry for help. In September, the world unites for Suicide Prevention Month, and there could not be a more fitting time for Nigeria to take a monumental step toward decriminalizing suicide attempts.

Under Section 327 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, any individual who attempts suicide can be imprisoned for up to one year. This law, which criminalizes suicide attempts, is not only outdated but also ineffective in addressing the root causes of the mental health crisis we face. Instead of offering treatment and support, the criminalization of suicide perpetuates suffering, pushing those in need further into silence and shame.

The suicide crisis disproportionately affects men, who make up the majority of suicide cases worldwide, and Nigeria is no exception. Men are often pressured to suppress their emotions, adhere to societal norms of masculinity, and face stigmatization when they seek help for mental health issues.

Consequently, many men in Nigeria feel trapped in isolation, leading to higher rates of depression and suicide. Rather than being met with compassion and support, these men risk being labeled as criminals under the current law.

Criminalizing suicide attempts is, at its core, a violation of human rights. Article 5 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Article 12 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights both emphasize the right to dignity, health, and mental well-being.

Punishing someone for attempting suicide disregards their fundamental human right to access the care they need. The act of criminalization perpetuates the idea that those suffering from mental health crises are less deserving of protection, violating principles of equality and human dignity.

Suicide is not a crime; it is a symptom of profound mental health distress. To view it through a legal lens rather than a medical one is to misunderstand the gravity of the issue.

Those who attempt suicide do not need punishment—they need mental health care, compassion, and a system that prioritizes their well-being. Mental health is a critical element of overall health, and just as we treat physical illnesses, so too must we treat mental health crises with proper support, not prosecution.

The criminalisation of suicide attempts only deepens the stigma surrounding mental health in Nigeria. It forces those who are struggling to remain silent, fearing legal repercussions if they speak out or seek help.

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The only way to encourage open conversations and healing is by fostering a culture of empathy and understanding. Decriminalization would send a powerful message that Nigeria values the mental health of its citizens and recognizes the importance of treatment over punishment.

Nigeria is not alone in facing a mental health crisis, but many nations have responded by taking a progressive, humane approach. Countries like India, Canada, and New Zealand have decriminalized suicide attempts, recognizing the need for supportive health interventions rather than criminal penalties. The international community has increasingly moved toward treating suicide as a public health issue, and it is time for Nigeria to align with these best practices.

In Nigeria, the statistics speak for themselves. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria has one of the highest suicide rates in Africa, and research shows that suicide attempts often stem from untreated mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.

Furthermore, experts across Nigeria—psychiatrists, mental health professionals, and advocates—agree that criminalizing suicide attempts exacerbates the problem, rather than alleviating it.

I urge the Nigerian government, under your leadership, to take the bold and necessary step of revisiting and repealing Section 327 of the Criminal Code. The law must be amended to reflect the realities of mental health, offering support rather than prosecution to those in need.

Additionally, there must be a national effort to improve mental health services, making them more accessible, affordable, and effective for all Nigerians. Mental health awareness campaigns, community-based interventions, and better funding for mental health care are crucial components of this reform.

Honourable Attorney General, the time to act is now. As we observe Suicide Prevention Month, let us commit to meaningful change that will save lives, promote human dignity, and foster a more compassionate society.

Decriminalizing suicide attempts is not only the right thing to do, but it is also a necessary step toward addressing the mental health crisis in Nigeria. Let us shift the narrative from punishment to healing, from stigma to understanding. Your leadership in this effort will leave a lasting legacy of hope, compassion, and justice.

Thank you for your attention to this critical matter. I look forward to seeing Nigeria join the global movement to decriminalize suicide attempts and create a safer, more supportive environment for all citizens.

Sincerely,

Halima Layeni

Men’s Mental Advocate

Executive Director, Life After Abuse Foundation

[email protected]