THE IMPACT OF PUNISHING MINOR OFFENSES ON CHILDREN AND ITS EFFECT ON RECIDIVISM RATES
Monday Eduok Iniobong 1 & Katchi Ibeh Iheakachi 2
Department of Criminology and Security Studies, National Open University of Nigeria, Jabi, Abuja 1 & 2
Corresponding Email: ieduok@noun.edu.ng 1
Abstract
This study examines the impact of punitive measures for minor offenses on children and their relationship with recidivism within Nigeria’s juvenile justice system. A mixed-methods design was adopted, combining quantitative and qualitative approaches to capture statistical patterns and lived experiences. The study population comprised juveniles aged 10 to 18 who had been processed for minor offenses such as petty theft, truancy, and vandalism. A total of 300 juveniles were sampled for quantitative analysis, while 30 participants, including juveniles, families, and justice officials, provided qualitative insights through interviews. Stratified random sampling ensured broad representation across regions. The findings reveal that punitive sanctions for minor offenses have only a weak and statistically insignificant relationship with juvenile recidivism. The severity of punishment and criminal behavior also showed no significant association with re-offending, highlighting the limited deterrent value of punitive responses. Despite the rehabilitative framework outlined in the Child Rights Act of 2003, Nigeria’s juvenile justice system continues to emphasize punitive measures, even for minor infractions. Prior studies (Daniel et al., 2009; Zumve, 2020) confirm that such approaches often reinforce stigmatization, disrupt education, and increase the likelihood of re-offending. However, systemic gaps, such as weak implementation of the Act, a lack of functional juvenile courts, inadequate rehabilitation programs, and poor community-based alternatives, have perpetuated a reliance on punishment, worsening long-term outcomes for children. Existing studies predominantly focus on serious juvenile crimes or incarceration in Western contexts, with limited evidence on the effects of punishing minor offenses in Nigeria. The study actually fills this gap by providing context-specific evidence on how
punitive measures influence children’s developmental outcomes and recidivism trajectories, offering reform-focused insights for policymakers.
Keywords: Punitive Measures, Crime, Minor Offenses, Recidivism Rate and Juvenile Justice System.
