Historical Ideas on Juvenile Justice System in Nigeria

Abstract

This paper discusses ideas on the juvenile justice system in Nigeria. In Nigerian society, children are highly valued, and it is ensured that they are catered for adequately. In traditional society, they were socialized to internalize norms such as respect, obedience, helpfulness, solicitousness, and reciprocity, which facilitated interpersonal relationships (UNICEF, n/d). Children belonged not only to their biological parents but to all adults. Extended family played a significant role in the correction and
disciplining of depraved children. Offending children were brought before the elders of the family or community for counseling and disciplinary action, within the family, correction or punishment was mainly beating. Excessive beating was regulated, as children who were being corrected by beating could run to any elder of the family and the beating would automatically stop. All these proved to be quite effective in ensuring that children conformed to the traditional norms and values of the community. Hardly would children be seen idly roaming about the town or village. Crime rates were relatively low as incidents of theft or robbery were few, while social vices like alcoholism, drug abuse, and prostitution among young people were virtually unknown.