SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF CONVICTED FEMALE HARD-DRUG TRAFFICKERS IN NIGERIAN PRISONS

SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF CONVICTED FEMALE HARD-DRUG TRAFFICKERS IN NIGERIAN PRISONS

Abstract:

This study examines the socio-economic characteristics of convicted female hard-drug traffickers in Nigerian prisons. It is also meant to ascertain the extent of female involvement in drug trafficking and how it has led to the abuse and degradation of the “dignity of the woman”. The study also examines the correctional policies for convicted traffickers;it aims at discovering the underlying guiding principles and at determining its effectiveness and efficiency regarding the attainment of set goals. The researcher has opted for the functionalist perspective. Functionalists view society as a system. They develop the conception of society as “self-contained systems” which consist of interrelated and interdependent parts. These are said to perform functions which maintain and equilibrate the whole, in so far as they are believed to be mutually supportive of, and compatible with, one another. Most of the information for this study are collected through interviews, questionnaire schedules and personal observations. These three methods were used in order to provide for adequate and comprehensive study. Findings reveal that most convicted female hard-drug traffickers are either self-employed or unemployed, educated, married and mostly from poor family background. Factors such as economic hardship, unemployment, desire to viii make ends meet, to live a luxurious life, availabilility of black market for exchanging foreign currency, peer group influence for early socialization, influence of the law enforcement agents, aiding and abetting in drug trafficking, have all been stated as responsible for female engagement jn drug trafficking. It was also discovered that a few of the female convicted were drug barons, while the majority were drug couriers. Cocaine, heroin, indian hemp and L.S.D were mostly found on them. Body cavity was mostly used as their mode of concealment. The failure of the correctional goals, such as deterring and rehabilitating offenders, shows that most convicted female inmates are willing to go back into drug business rather than live as needy or deprived citizens. They therefore show no remorse as to the gravity of the punishment. On the whole, the knowledge of females’ social and economic right should spur them up not into criminal activities, but into hard work, so that they can take up dignified positions in the society. That means, there must be a conscious education of women by the feminist movement. The desire to get rich quick by hook or crook must be discouraged by all women organizations and other social institutions. Women who seek to eradicate inequalities in the system must not do so through criminal activities

SOCIO-ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF CONVICTED FEMALE HARD-DRUG TRAFFICKERS IN NIGERIAN PRISONS

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