Nigeria, Sept. 10 -- As the world marks the 2025 World Suicide Prevention Day, Nigeria confronts a suicide crisis that remains largely hidden behind stigma and silence.

Despite an estimated 15,000 deaths annually, attempted suicide in the country is still criminalised, worsening fear and discouraging people in distress from seeking help.

According to Lifeline International, Nigeria is among the few nations where survivors of suicide attempts may face imprisonment under Section 327 of the Criminal Code and Section 231 of the Penal Code.

These laws, dating back to the colonial era, criminalise what is often a desperate cry for help.

PREMIUM TIMES has, over the years, reported several such cases.

In one instance, police arrested a man i...