Emetu Advocates for Care Over Punishment in Suicide Prevention

Ezera Emetu, a mental health expert, warns that Nigeria's ongoing criminalization of suicide attempts undermines suicide prevention efforts and worsens the country's mental health crisis. Speaking during the week of World Suicide Prevention Day, Emetu highlighted the urgent need to shift from punitive measures to treatment for individuals experiencing severe psychological distress.

He pointed out that Section 327 of the Nigerian Criminal Code still classifies attempted suicide as a criminal offense, exposing individuals in crisis to arrest and prosecution instead of providing necessary medical care. Emetu noted that this law fuels stigma, discourages help-seeking behavior, and pushes suicidal thoughts underground.

He stated that approximately 15,000 Nigerians die by suicide each year, a figure believed to be underreported due to stigma and fear of legal consequences. Emetu called for the decriminalization of suicide attempts and the adoption of a public health-based approach to improve help-seeking behavior and reduce suicide deaths, emphasizing the importance of professional mental health services and community support.