Attempted Suicide and the Law in Nigeria: Lessons from Other Jurisdictions

Abstract

Suicide is defined as a self-inflicted injury that results in death. However, attempted suicide is a self-inflicted injury that will result in death. Suicide has been part of human history since antiquity. According to the World Health Organisation, over 700,000 suicides occur around the world each year. For every successful suicide, there are at least 20 failed attempts.The recent suicides of Nigerians, particularly members of the academic community, serve as a reminder that suicide is a complicated and growing epidemic in the country. However, due of the stigma attached to it, its prevalence is typically underreported in Nigeria. The World Health Organisation estimates that Nigeria has 9.5 suicides per 100,000 inhabitants. Every year, more than 700,000 people die by suicide. Furthermore, for every suicide, there are at least 20 suicide attempts.The law in Nigeria regarding attempted suicide appears to be inconclusive and ambiguous. This article tries to shed light on Nigerian law enforcement's efforts to combat the threat of attempted suicide. It will also conduct a comparative examination of existing laws on attempted suicide in other jurisdictions and give recommendations.

Keywords: attempted suicide, death, criminal law, Nigeria

DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/141-03

Publication date: April 30^th 2024