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FG Sets December 2025 Deadline to Decriminalise Attempted Suicide

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By Onilede Titi Faith

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its plan to decriminalise attempted suicide in Nigeria, setting December 2025 as the deadline for the reform.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed this in Abuja on Wednesday during a press briefing to mark the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day (WSPD), themed “Changing the Narrative on Suicide: Creating Hope Through Action.”

Globally observed on September 10, WSPD seeks to raise awareness on suicide prevention.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 720,000 people die from suicide annually, making it the third leading cause of death among people aged 15-29.

About 73 per cent of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries.

In Nigeria, suicide survivors are still prosecuted under Sections 327 and 231 of the Criminal and Penal Codes. Experts argue that this punitive framework discourages help-seeking and deepens stigma.

To address the challenge, the government inaugurated a National Task Force on the Decriminalisation of Attempted Suicide in October 2024, chaired by Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe.

The task force was mandated to guide Nigeria’s transition from punishment to a health-oriented approach.

Speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, Prof. Pate noted that significant milestones had been achieved, including a government white paper on decriminalisation and a draft amendment to the National Mental Health Act 2021.

The proposed National Mental Health Act Amendment Bill 2025 seeks to repeal punitive provisions in the Criminal and Penal Codes, explicitly decriminalise attempted suicide, bar prosecution of survivors, and ensure access to care and support.

“The draft has been adopted as the ministry’s official position and has undergone consultations with the Attorney-General of the Federation.

“Next, I will be presenting a memo to the Federal Executive Council for an Executive Bill on decriminalisation,” Pate said.

Mental health advocates have long argued that criminalising attempted suicide worsens stigma and prevents survivors from accessing care.

The government’s commitment signals a major shift towards a compassionate, health-based approach to suicide prevention in Nigeria.

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Crime

ICPC Recovers Alleged Wiretapping Devices from El Rufai Home, Secures 14 Day Detention Order

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By Omoniyi David

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission said it recovered suspected wiretapping devices and sensitive security documents from the Abuja residence of former Kaduna State governor Nasir el Rufai.

The commission disclosed that a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Federal Capital Territory, granted a 14 day detention order to allow investigators conclude their probe.

According to the agency, electronic equipment capable of intercepting phone conversations was discovered during a search at el Rufai’s Asokoro home. Officials also said documents described as sensitive to national security were recovered.

The ICPC dismissed claims that the former governor was being unlawfully detained or politically targeted, insisting that due process was followed.

In filings before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, the commission urged the court to dismiss el Rufai’s suit alleging violation of his fundamental rights, maintaining that its actions were lawful and necessary for a thorough investigation.

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Crime

Police Arrest Two in Abuja Over Alleged Homicide of 16 Year Old

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By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Command, have arrested two suspects over the alleged culpable homicide of a 16 year old boy, Chidera Benjamin, in the Byazhin area of Abuja.

The suspects, identified as Cosmos Okafor, 31, and Okechukwu Wisdom, 17, were arrested following the incident which occurred on Thursday, February 12, 2026, according to the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh.

Adeh said police received a distress call that Benjamin allegedly attacked his mother with a machete during a domestic dispute. Preliminary findings showed the mother had accused him of transferring money from her bank account to his Opay account without her consent.

The boy allegedly became violent during the confrontation and inflicted serious injury on her hand.

The police said two neighbours who witnessed the incident allegedly attacked the teenager in response. He sustained severe injuries and was rushed to Kubwa General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead.

The suspects are in custody and will be charged to court after investigations. The FCT Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, urged residents to avoid jungle justice and resolve disputes through lawful means.

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Crime

Poison Allegation: Expect DSS Invitation, NSA Office Replies El-Rufai

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By Patrick Idowu

The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), has replied former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, over his allegation that the agency imported a toxic chemical from Poland, telling him to expect an invitation from the Department of State Services (DSS), as the matter has been referred for investigation.

El-Rufai had written to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, claiming opposition leaders had information that ONSA procured about 10 kilograms of thallium sulphate, a highly poisonous substance.

He requested clarification on the purpose, supplier, permits, quantity, storage arrangements and regulatory oversight, including involvement of agencies such as NAFDAC and the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control.

In a response released to journalists on Sunday night, ONSA denied the allegation, stating it neither procured nor initiated any process to purchase thallium sulphate and had no intention of doing so.

The letter, signed by Brigadier-General O.M. Adesuyi on behalf of the NSA, said the allegation had been referred to the DSS for a comprehensive investigation, adding that El-Rufai and others with relevant information would be invited to provide evidence.

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