THE NIGERIAN LAW ON SUICIDE: A TRAGIC RESPONSE TO A CRY FOR HELP

Abstract

It is a crime to commit or attempt to commit suicide in Nigeria. Those who survive the sad ordeal are still further haunted by Nigeria’s legal system which views attempted suicide as an offence under the law rather than a cry for help. Survivors of suicide attempts rather run the risk of being prosecuted by the government as criminals instead of being provided with adequate therapy, love and care to prevent future attempts. This Article examines the origin of the Nigerian suicide law that criminalizes suicide; it examines arguments advanced against and those in favour of criminalizing suicide. The Article finds that the Criminal Code and Penal Code as well as the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) have discriminatory provisions against persons who attempt suicide. Against this backdrop, it recommends the repeal of the Nigerian suicide law, suggests the decriminalization of suicide and views suicide as a mental health issue with further recommendation for the adoption of the Mental Health Bill 2013 as Nigeria’s policy on mental health.