Justice Shuaibu Affirms Courts Must Follow Suicide Laws

Justice Muhammad Lawal Shuaibu of the Court of Appeal emphasized that Nigerian courts are bound by current laws that criminalize attempted suicide until such laws are amended or repealed through legislative action. This statement was made during a virtual meeting organized by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and the National Taskforce on Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide.

Shuaibu noted that the judiciary's role is to interpret laws, and prosecution remains the responsibility of appropriate authorities. He highlighted the importance of considering mental health conditions in determining criminal liability.

Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, chair of the National Taskforce, argued that the criminalization of attempted suicide hinders prevention efforts. She cited a case where a hospital reported a patient to the police after treatment for attempted suicide, creating uncertainty for healthcare providers.

Prof. Abubakar Sulaiman, representing NILDS, called for stronger collaboration among government branches and support for crisis-intervention services.