UNIVERSITY OF JOS

FACAULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE

DEPARTMENT : CRIMINOLOGY AND SECURITY STUDIES

COURSE TITLE : CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN CRIMINOLOGY AND SECURITY STUDIES

COURSE CODE : CSS 411

ASSIGNMENT

QUESTION : How are criminals and juvenile delinquents handle in Nigeria?

COURSE LECTURER : DR. ARETHA REKIYA SAMUEL

NAMES OF STUDENTS:

1: BULUS MIRIAM IJAPARI UJ/2018/SS/0787

2: ABDULLAHI ABUBAKAR DANJUMA UJ/2018/SS/0153

3: ADEMOLA EZRA ONYEKACHI UJ/2019/SS/0158

4: WALLAT PRECIOUS CHRISTOPHER UJ/2018/SS/0254

5: KYARI ANDREA MILCAH UJ/2018/SS/0344

6: NENPANMUN MILDRED CLEMENT UJ/2018/SS/0453

7: ALKALI AMOS EMIL UJ/2019/SS/0454

8: GONUNG ELFREDA JONATHAN UJ/2018/SS/0272

9: ADOGA JOSHUA ODEH UJ/2019/SS/0810

10: ACHANYA BENJAMIN OKPE UJ/2018/SS/0457.

11: UZOMA PEACE OGECHI UJ/2018/SS/0337

12: DAKYE KWATMUN JOHN UJ/2018/SS/0219

13: DABANG JOSHUA JOHN UJ/2018/SS/0536

14: LOIS AMOS UJ/2018/SS/0283

DATE : NOVEMBER, 2023

INTRODUCTION

Criminals and juvenile delinquents are handled through a combination of legal and social interventions.
The Nigerian criminal justice system is responsible for addressing criminal behaviour, while the welfare
system and other social institutions are tasked with addressing juvenile delinquency.

Criminal offenders are tried and punished under the Criminal Code and the Penal Code, depending on
the jurisdiction. The legal process involves the arrest of the suspect, investigation, and prosecution, and
then the trial and verdict. Punishments can range from fines to imprisonment to corporal punishment, or
even the death penalty, in some cases.

Juvenile delinquents, on the other hand, are dealt with under the Child Rights Act[2] defines a child in
Section 3 as “a person under the age of fourteen years”.

Juvenile offenders are treated differently from adult criminals, with the goal of rehabilitation rather than
punishment. The court process is different as well, with a focus on social reintegration and education to
deter future criminal behaviour.

However, there are significant challenges in the way both criminal and juvenile cases are handled in
Nigeria, including issues related to the legal system, social services, and the overall effectiveness of
rehabilitation and reintegration programs.

The Nigerian criminal justice system is responsible for handling cases involving criminal behavior. This
includes investigating crimes, prosecuting offenders, and delivering punishments or rehabilitation
programs as necessary. The system is made up of various agencies, including the police, the courts, and
the prison system.

However, there are several challenges within the criminal justice system that impact its ability to
effectively address criminal behavior.

DEFINITION OF KEY TERMS

The following are definition of key terms in this study.

1. Criminals: Individuals who have been convicted of committing a crime, whether it be a

misdemeanor or a felony.

2. Delinquent: A person, typically a young person, who has committed a crime or engaged in
behavior that is considered to be antisocial or in violation of the law.
3. Juvenile: Referring to a young person who is not yet considered an adult in the eyes of the law,
typically under the age of 18.

4. Delinquency: The state or condition of being delinquent, particularly in reference to a young

person who has committed a crime or engaged in behavior that is considered to be antisocial or in
violation of the law.

5. Crime: An act or behavior that is considered to be illegal and punishable by law, often causing
harm or detriment to individuals or society as a whole.

CHALLENGES IN TERMS OF HANDLING CRIMINALS (CRIMINAL BEHAVIOUR)

The following are some of the challenges within the Nigerian criminal justice system.

1. Lack of rehabilitation and reintegration programs: Many criminal offenders struggle to

reintegrate into society after serving their sentence, as there may be limited resources and support for
rehabilitation and reentry programs.

2. Overcrowding in correctional facilities: Correctional facilities may be overcrowded, leading to

limited resources and inadequate supervision and support for inmates.

3. Limited access to education and job training: Criminal offenders may have limited access to
education and job training programs, making it difficult for them to acquire the skills and qualifications
needed to secure employment upon release.

4. Mental health and substance abuse issues: Many criminal offenders have underlying mental
health and substance abuse issues that require specialized treatment. However, access to these services
may be limited within correctional facilities.

5. Lack of community support: Criminal offenders may face stigma and discrimination upon
release, making it challenging for them to access housing, employment, and other essential services.

6. Limited support for victims: Criminal justice systems may struggle to provide adequate support
and resources for victims of crime, impacting their ability to heal and move forward.
SOME CHALLENGES IN TERMS OF HANDLING JUVENILE DELINQUENTS

In terms of handling juvenile delinquents, Nigeria faces some challenges.

1. Lack of specialized facilities and programs for young offenders: Many juvenile delinquents end
up in adult prisons due to a lack of appropriate facilities for their age group. This not only exposes them
to further criminal influences but also hinders their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

2. Lack of coordination between the various agencies responsible for addressing juvenile
delinquency: This includes social welfare agencies, law enforcement, and the judiciary. As a result, there
is often a lack of comprehensive support for young offenders, leading to high rates of recidivism.

3. Limited access to mental health services: Many juvenile delinquents have underlying mental
health issues that require specialized treatment. However, access to mental health services may be
limited, leading to inadequate support for these individuals.

4. Lack of family involvement: Family dynamics and support play a crucial role in addressing
juvenile delinquency. However, engaging and involving families in the intervention process can be
challenging, particularly if there are underlying family issues or dysfunction.

5. Stigma and discrimination: Juvenile delinquents often face stigma and discrimination, which can
impact their ability to reintegrate into society and access opportunities for education and employment.

6. Addressing underlying social and environmental factors: Juvenile delinquency is often

influenced by social and environmental factors, such as poverty, lack of access to education, and
exposure to violence. Addressing these underlying issues requires a comprehensive approach that goes
beyond individual intervention.

Nigeria efforts to address these challenges

Despite these challenges, there have been efforts to improve the way criminals and juvenile delinquents
are handled in Nigeria.
1. The government has implemented reforms aimed at modernizing the criminal justice system,
including the use of technology to improve case management and reduce delays in delivering justice.

2. There have been initiatives to establish specialized facilities and programs for young offenders.

3. Efforts to strengthen coordination between relevant agencies.

4. Available of resources in both correctional and juvenile centre.

5. Eradication of corruption in the criminal justice system.

SOLUTION TO THE CHALLENGES OF HANDLING CRIMINALS AND JUVENILE DELINQUENTS

1. Implementing comprehensive rehabilitation and reintegration programs that address the

individual needs of criminal offenders, including education, job training, mental health and substance
abuse treatment, and support for finding housing and employment.

2. Investing in alternatives to incarceration, such as community-based programs and restorative

justice initiatives, to reduce overcrowding in correctional facilities and provide more personalized
support for offenders.

3. Increasing access to education and vocational training within correctional facilities to help
offenders develop the skills and qualifications needed to secure employment upon release.

4. Providing support and resources for victims of crime to help them heal and move forward,
including access to counseling, financial assistance, and legal advocacy.

5. Addressing systemic inequalities through policy changes and community initiatives aimed at
reducing poverty, improving access to education and healthcare, and addressing underlying issues that
contribute to criminal behavior.
6. Implementing evidence-based practices and programs that have been shown to effectively
reduce recidivism and support successful reintegration into society, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy
and mentorship programs.

7. Collaborating with community organizations, employers, and other stakeholders to create a

supportive environment for criminal offenders upon their release, including housing assistance, job
placement programs, and access to social services.

8. Providing ongoing support and supervision for offenders after their release, including access to
mental health and substance abuse treatment, case management services, and support for navigating
the challenges of reintegration.

Some ways of reducing criminals and juvenile delinquents

1. Implementing early intervention programs that target at-risk youth and provide support and
resources to address underlying issues such as trauma, family instability, and substance abuse.

2. Investing in community-based youth programs that provide positive alternatives to criminal

behaviour, such as after-school programs, sports leagues, and mentorship opportunities.

3. Providing access to mental health and substance abuse treatment for both of criminals and
juvenile offenders, as well as support for their families to address any contributing factors to their
criminal and delinquent behaviour.

4. Increasing access to education and vocational training for both criminals and juvenile offenders
to help them develop the skills and qualifications needed for future employment.

.
Conclusion

In summary,criminals and juvenile delinquents are handled within the legal framework, there is a
distinction in terms of punishment. Under Nigerian law, criminal offenders are punished while juvenile
offenders are rehabilitated through education and social support.

The Nigerian government has set up juvenile detention centers and rehabilitation facilities across the
country to provide support to juvenile offenders. However, the conditions in these centers have been
criticized for being poorly maintained, with reports of incidents of abuse and overcrowding.

References:

1. Okonkwo, C. (2017). The Nigerian Criminal Justice System: A Need for Reform. Journal of Law
and Criminal

Justice, 5(1), 1-12.

2. Okeke, C. (2019). Juvenile Delinquency in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects. International

Journal of Social Science Studies, 7(4), 54-63.

3. Tade, O., & Odekunle, T. (2016). Juvenile Delinquency and Criminal Justice System in Nigeria: A
Focus on Lagos State. International Journal of Humanities Social Sciences and Education, 3(3), 28-35.