ADC Slams Akpabio Over ‘Seven Virgins’ Remark, Opposes Jail Terms for Suicide Attempts

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised Senate President Godswill Akpabio over his reported “seven virgins” remark during a Senate debate on attempted suicide, describing the comment as insensitive and inappropriate for a discussion about mental health and suicide prevention.

The opposition party also faulted Akpabio’s opposition to decriminalising attempted suicide, arguing that people who survive suicide attempts should receive medical care and psychological support rather than face imprisonment.

The criticism followed Tuesday’s Senate plenary debate on the National Suicide Prevention Bill, which seeks to establish a national framework for suicide prevention, decriminalise attempted suicide and provide rehabilitation for survivors.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the ADC’s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, said Akpabio’s reported remark risked introducing religious stereotypes into a discussion that should prioritise protecting human life.

ADC Condemns ‘Seven Virgins’ Comment

A video circulated online after the Senate debate showed Akpabio referring to the idea of “seven virgins” as a possible reason some young people might find death attractive.

The ADC described the comment as careless and disturbing, arguing that it trivialised an issue involving people experiencing severe psychological distress.

The party said discussions about suicide should be approached with sensitivity and should focus on prevention, access to mental healthcare and the protection of vulnerable people.

It warned that remarks perceived as dismissive could undermine efforts to encourage people experiencing suicidal thoughts to seek help.

Party Rejects Imprisonment for Suicide Survivors

The ADC also criticised Akpabio’s position that attempted suicide should remain a criminal offence punishable by imprisonment.

During the debate, the Senate President argued that removing criminal penalties could encourage attempted suicide. He also raised concerns about the legal implications of changing provisions contained in both the Criminal Code and the Penal Code.

The ADC rejected that approach, describing the criminalisation of attempted suicide as a colonial-era legacy that should be replaced with a system focused on treatment and support.

The party argued that threatening survivors with imprisonment could discourage people in distress from seeking medical assistance or disclosing suicidal thoughts.

It called on lawmakers to prioritise prevention, counselling, rehabilitation and access to appropriate mental health services.

Senate Advances Suicide Prevention Bill

The controversy arose as the Senate considered the National Suicide Prevention Bill, sponsored by Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, who represents Cross River South.

The proposed legislation seeks to decriminalise attempted suicide and establish a national framework for prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.

During the debate, Ekpenyong argued that criminal penalties could discourage people from seeking help and lead families to conceal suicide attempts. He called for a legal framework that treats survivors as people requiring care rather than punishment.

Despite Akpabio’s opposition, the bill passed its second reading on Tuesday and was referred to the relevant Senate committees for further consideration and a public hearing.

The bill has not yet become law, and the existing legal provisions remain in force pending any legislative changes.

Existing Laws and Calls for Reform

Nigeria’s existing laws criminalise attempted suicide under provisions of the Criminal Code and the Penal Code. The Criminal Code provision is Section 327, while Section 231 of the Penal Code addresses attempted suicide.

Mental health advocates have argued that criminalisation can deepen stigma and discourage people experiencing psychological distress from seeking assistance. The proposed legislation seeks to replace punitive measures with a framework that emphasises prevention, medical assessment, treatment and rehabilitation.

The ADC urged the Senate to use the legislative process to reconsider the existing provisions and strengthen support for people experiencing mental health crises.

The debate has renewed public discussion about how Nigeria should balance its criminal laws with mental health policy and the need to protect people in distress.