The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi has reiterated his commitment to reviewing the criminalisation of suicide in the country, saying it is a work in progress.
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, the AGF stated this through his spokesperson, Kamarudeen Ogundele, in a conversation with The PUNCH.
In May 2024, Fagbemi received a delegation of mental health actors from a non-governmental organisation, the Asido Foundation, where he promised to work with other stakeholders to reduce the stigma and discrimination associated with persons suffering from mental health disorders.
The Founder of Asido, Dr Jibril Abdulmalik, asked the AGF to help review the law sentencing people for attempted suicide and the implementation of the Mental Health Act signed into law by ex-President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2023.
Abdulmalik said medical evidence showed that all over the world, 80 to 90 per cent of those who attempted suicide had background mental illness, especially depression.
Reacting, the AGF noted that a second look should be taken at the law, especially where it was established that the offenders were not in the right state of mind.
He added that whatever action was taken was binding on the states, adding that he would present the case for review before the Body of Attorneys General.
Speaking to The PUNCH on the development, Ogundele noted that health was a top priority for the government.
“The AGF is passionate about mental health and is committed to his promise to review the criminalisation of attempted suicide.
“However, this requires the involvement and support of other stakeholders. There is work in progress, so Nigerians should be patient for the next line of action. A plan is already in the works”, he said.
