Traditional structures of crime control in Lagos, Nigeria

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Periodical article

Title:	Traditional structures of crime control in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors:	Tade, Oludayo Olaitan, Faisol
Year:	2015
Periodical:	African Security Review (ISSN 2154-0128)
Volume:	24
Issue:	2
Pages:	138-152
Language:	English
Geographic term:	Nigeria
Subjects:	crime social control customary courts crime prevention
External link:	https://doi.org/10.1080/10246029.2015.1023325
Abstract:	Notwithstanding the embrace of modern institutions of social control, traditional social control mechanisms still enjoy patronage in Nigeria. This paper examines the traditional structures of social control in Iraye-Oke, Lagos. In-depth interviews, key informant interviews and case studies were used to obtain data from participants. Findings established the functionality of traditional structures in checking crime and its preference over the use of modern social control structures. Traditional structures used include: traditional spiritualists who provide measures to reduce victimisation; the family courts where adjudication takes place involving elders and family chiefs; and the apex traditional court, presided over by the king, where cases like murder, land disputes, adultery and fornication are decided. Traditional extrajudicial measures involve the invocation of ancestral spirits at shrines. Notes, ref., sum. [Journal abstract]