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Suicide Prevention Needs Care, Not Punishment — Mental Health Expert.

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Mental health expert, Ezera Emetu, has cautioned that Nigeria’s continued criminalisation of attempted suicide is hindering prevention efforts and worsening the country’s mental health challenges.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Speaking during activities marking World Suicide Prevention Day, themed “Changing the Narrative on Suicide,” Emetu called for an urgent transition from punitive measures to treatment-focused responses for individuals experiencing severe psychological distress.

He noted that under Section 327 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, attempted suicide remains a criminal offence, exposing vulnerable individuals to arrest and prosecution instead of receiving medical care. According to him, this approach increases stigma, discourages people from seeking help, and drives such struggles out of public view.

“Suicide is not a crime—it is a health issue. When people fear arrest, they are more likely to hide their struggles rather than seek support, and that silence can be deadly,” he said.

Public health estimates indicate that over 15,000 Nigerians die by suicide annually, although experts believe the figure is underreported due to stigma, cultural silence, and fear of legal consequences. Studies also show that nearly 90 per cent of cases are linked to mental health and substance use disorders, with depression being a major contributing factor.

Despite the growing concern, access to mental health services remains limited. Nigeria has fewer than 300 psychiatrists serving a population of over 200 million, leaving many communities without adequate professional support. Experts warn that this shortage, combined with criminalisation, creates a significant gap between those in need and available care.

Emetu explained that widespread misconceptions about mental illness—often viewed as a moral or spiritual weakness—cause many individuals to delay or avoid seeking treatment.

“No one recovers from depression because they were arrested,” he said, adding that criminalisation reinforces harmful beliefs instead of promoting recovery through proper care.

He pointed out that countries that have decriminalised attempted suicide and adopted public health approaches have recorded improvements in help-seeking behaviour and reductions in suicide rates.

While recognising the role of family, culture, and spirituality in emotional support, Emetu stressed that these cannot replace professional mental health care. He urged policymakers to repeal laws criminalising attempted suicide and invest in community-based mental health services, crisis support systems, school counselling, and public awareness campaigns.

“If Nigeria is serious about prevention, it must change its approach. Every suicide attempt is a call for help, and the response should be care—not punishment,” he said.


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‘We Don’t Want Another Mohbad Case’ – Laolu Gbenjo Speaks On Toluwanisings.

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Nigerian gospel singer Laolu Gbenjo has cautioned the public against spreading unverified information about the circumstances surrounding the death of his colleague, Bayonile Bolaji, popularly known as Toluwanisings.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Gbenjo’s warning comes amid growing controversy surrounding the late singer’s death and burial arrangements, with reports of disagreements among members of his family.

The gospel singer spoke on Tuesday during a night of tributes held in honour of Toluwanisings in Ibadan, Oyo State. He warned against allowing the situation to degenerate into a controversy similar to the one that followed the death of Nigerian singer Mohbad.

Describing the deceased as a devoted Christian and a genuine servant of God, Gbenjo said Toluwanisings was passionate about his faith and had a good relationship with people.

He urged the public to stop fuelling unnecessary controversy over the late singer’s death, particularly through social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.

“You can never see Toluwani in the midst of jobless people. He had a good heart. He was a friend to everybody. He served the Lord with all his heart. Don’t turn Toluwani into Mohbad. That madness on TikTok and Instagram must stop. If you are jobless, go and look for a job,” Gbenjo said.

Meanwhile, comedians Ayobami Ajewole, popularly known as Woli Agba, and Olamide Oladimeji, also known as Dele Omo Woli, have threatened legal action against individuals allegedly linking them to Toluwanisings’ death.

Woli Agba disclosed this in a public notice shared on his Instagram page on Sunday.

In the notice issued by their solicitors, Gemgold, the comedians warned members of the public against publishing or circulating allegations they described as false and defamatory against them.

The legal notice maintained that the allegations were baseless and intended to damage the reputations of the two entertainers.

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El-Rufai’s ₦1bn Legal Battle Takes New Turn As Court Fixes Judgment Date.

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The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed December 2, 2026, for judgment in the ₦1 billion fundamental rights suit filed by former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other respondents.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik set the date after lawyers representing the parties adopted their respective court processes.

However, El-Rufai’s lawyer was absent when the case was initially called. The judge subsequently deemed the former governor’s filed processes adopted.

Counsel to the ICPC, Abdul Mohammed (SAN), adopted the commission’s court processes and urged the judge to dismiss the suit in its entirety.

Similarly, the lawyer representing the Inspector-General of Police, ACP Ezekiel Rimamsomte, and Maimuna Lami-Shiru, Director of Civil Litigation and Public Law, who appeared on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), adopted their respective processes and asked the court to dismiss the case.

During the proceedings, El-Rufai’s lawyer, Ubong Akpan, arrived in court and apologised for his lateness.

When Akpan sought the court’s permission to adopt his client’s processes, Justice Abdulmalik informed him that the documents had already been deemed adopted.

The judge subsequently adjourned the matter until December 2, 2026, when judgment is expected to be delivered.

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‘I Lock Myself In The Room And Cry’ – Funke Akindele Opens Up About Her Hidden Pain.

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Nollywood actress and filmmaker Funke Akindele has opened up about the personal challenges she faces behind the scenes, revealing that she sometimes breaks down in tears despite her public image of bringing joy to others through her movies.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The award-winning actress made this revelation during an interview with CNN journalist Larry Madowo, where she spoke candidly about her emotional struggles and the pressures that come with being a public figure.

Akindele disclosed that when things become overwhelming, she sometimes locks herself in her room to cry and release her emotions. However, she said she eventually gathers the strength to pick herself up and face life’s challenges.

The filmmaker also discussed the pressure of living in the public eye, particularly the scrutiny surrounding her marriages and relationship breakups.

She admitted that there are moments when she questions her decisions and worries about how people might judge her choices.

“I cry. I lock myself in the room, cry, break down, hit the bed. But I just pick up myself and come back to life. Sometimes I tell myself, ah, you’ve made a mistake again. How are people going to judge you?

“Do you care about that? Why don’t you just brace up, face it, face the challenges, move on in life? I’ve noticed over the years that it’s not all about the work. You need to take care of yourself. You need to love yourself. You need to have time for your family, your loved ones, because as the work would go, the family would be there,” she said.

Akindele further emphasised the importance of self-care, self-love and making time for family, noting that professional success should not come at the expense of personal well-being and relationships.

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