Psychologist counters lawyer on criminalization of attempted suicide in Nigeria

Suicide, an act of taking one’s own life voluntarily and intentionally has become increasingly rampant in Nigeria while cases of failed suicide attempts are now a daily occurrence.

While the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria does not criminalise suicide, it clearly stipulates punishment for cases of attempted suicide.

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Section 327 of the Criminal Code Act in Southern Nigeria states: “Any person who attempts to kill himself is guilty of a misdemeanor, and is liable to imprisonment for one year.

Also, section 231 of the penal code, Northern Nigeria, asserts that: “Whoever attempts to commit suicide and does any act towards the commission of such offence, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine or with both.”