The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has reaffirmed his commitment to reviewing the criminalization of suicide in Nigeria. This follows a meeting with the Asido Foundation, where mental health advocates requested a review of laws related to attempted suicide and the implementation of the Mental Health Act, which was signed into law in January 2023.
Fagbemi’s spokesperson, Kamarudeen Ogundele, emphasized that the AGF is focused on addressing mental health issues and is working with other stakeholders to reassess current laws. The AGF plans to present the case for review before the Body of Attorneys General, aiming to reduce stigma and better address mental health challenges. The review is part of ongoing efforts to improve mental health support and ensure that legal responses align with medical understanding of mental illness.
