NCJ Number
164979
Date Published
1996
Length
20 pages
Annotation
This overview of Nigeria's juvenile justice system describes the formal juvenile justice system and informal practices.
Abstract
The description of the formal system considers the role of the police, the role of the juvenile court, disposition, problems, and delinquency prevention and control. In Nigeria, juvenile delinquents are not subject to the same criminal law and formal procedure as adult criminals. Private citizens tend to play a major role in the detection of delinquency; however, the police exercise wide discretion, both formally and informally, as the "gatekeepers" of the justice system. In most cases, the police perform welfare services in their management of youth who engage in problem behaviors. Police often mediate between juvenile delinquents and their victims. The police role can include warnings, making arrangements for restitution, and informing parents or guardians. For the purposes of adjudication, every high court doubles as a juvenile court, except in Lagos, where there is a statutorily established juvenile magistrate court for the treatment and welfare of juvenile offenders. Juvenile hearings are summary, informal, and private. A social report is filed by a designated probation officer. A variety of institutional and noninstitutional treatment options are available to the court. Probation is the most common disposition; compensation and restitution are rarely used. Due to the persistent increase in criminogenic social and economic conditions in Nigeria, juvenile delinquency is a growing problem. Juvenile justice funding and staff are insufficient to address it. Traditionally, the community has exercised informal social control over juveniles, as it promulgates values and imposes discipline through the extended family and community institutions, such as religion. The effectiveness of this informal system is diminishing, however, due to urbanization and industrialization. 11 notes, 24 references