NCJ Number
97072
Journal
International Journal of Offender Therapy and Comparative Criminology Volume: 28 Issue: 3 Dated: (1984) Pages: 193-209
Date Published
1984
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This assessment of crime and criminality in Nigeria includes a comparative analysis with crime in other countries and recommendations to improve the functioning of Nigeria's criminal justice system.
Abstract
Over the last two decades, official reports of the Nigerian police show that crime has risen steadily. International Crime Statistics for 1975-76 show a low incidence of crime but do not reflect a realistic picture, since many offenses go unreported, and economic crimes are handled by special tribunals. The United States and Nigeria have similar high rates of homicide compared to many other countries. The typical offender in Niageria is a young male property offender from a low socioeconomic group. Nigerian criminal justice policymakers need to collect data on crime in a uniform and scientific manner and survey prison inmates to plan crime prevention, design rehabilitation programs, and allocate resources. The relationship between the police and the public is not cordial and should be improved. Uncooperative attitudes among police officers, lawyers, prison officials, and judicial officers impede the system's operations. Finally, criminal justice agencies must measure criminal behavior accurately using survey research, official records of other government agencies, cohort studies, self-report studies, and victimization surveys. Tables and 18 references are supplied.